The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has condemned the alleged harassment of NTA transport reporter, Comrade Ladi Bala, by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr. Kayode Opeifa, in Abuja.
The incident reportedly occurred on August 27, 2025, while Bala, a former president of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), was covering the aftermath of a train derailment along the Abuja–Kaduna railway line. Eyewitnesses said Opeifa interrupted her live coverage, verbally assaulted her, and ordered security operatives to force her out of the scene.
In a statement signed by NUJ FCT secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the union described Opeifa’s conduct as demeaning and a violation of press freedom, human dignity, and journalists’ constitutional rights under Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution. The NUJ further alleged that he also insulted NUJ FCT Chairperson, Grace Ike, who attempted to intervene.
The NUJ demanded an immediate public apology from the NRC boss, urging the corporation to take corrective measures to protect media workers. The union reaffirmed its solidarity with Bala and warned that continued harassment of journalists in Abuja or elsewhere poses a serious threat to democracy, transparency, and accountability.
