The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has condemned the harassment and intimidation of Comrade Ladi Bala, Transport Reporter with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and immediate past President of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ), by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr. Kayode Opeifa.
The incident occurred on August 27, 2025, while Bala was covering the aftermath of the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment. Eyewitnesses said Opeifa disrupted her live reporting, hurled insults at her, and allegedly ordered security personnel to bundle her out of the scene.
In a statement signed by the Council’s Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, on Friday, the NUJ described the conduct of the NRC boss as a gross violation of press freedom and an affront to the dignity of journalists, particularly women.
“Opeifa’s action was dehumanizing and a clear breach of Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees press freedom and freedom of expression,” the statement said.
The NUJ FCT Council demanded an immediate and unreserved public apology from Opeifa, while also urging the NRC to take measures to prevent a recurrence.
The union reaffirmed its zero tolerance for harassment and intimidation of journalists, vowed to explore all necessary channels to ensure accountability and the protection of media practitioners’ rights.
