The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) FCT Council has strongly condemned the harassment, intimidation, and verbal abuse of Comrade Ladi Bala, former President of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and Transport Reporter with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), 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 train derailment along the Abuja-Kaduna rail line.
- PDP To Inaugurate 2025 National Convention C’ttee Tuesday
- ‘Passport Now Costs More Than Minimum Wage’, Obi Slams Federal Gov’t Over Fees Hike
According to eyewitnesses, Opeifa disrupted her live reporting, hurled insults at her, and allegedly threatened to have her forcibly removed from the scene.
He was quoted as using derogatory language, calling her “stupid,” “foolish,” and a “useless woman,” while questioning her professionalism and appearance.
The NRC boss further threatened to petition security agencies, the Presidency, and NTA management to have Bala sanctioned and barred her from covering future NRC activities.
Attempts by NUJ FCT Chairperson, Grace Ike, to resolve the matter were met with hostility, as Opeifa allegedly extended his insults and threats to her as well.
In a statement signed by its Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, the NUJ FCT Council described Opeifa’s conduct as “a blatant violation of the journalist’s rights to dignity, freedom of expression, and press freedom as enshrined in Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).”
“The inane attitude of Mr. Opeifa is another clear indication of growing hostility against the media in Nigeria and the intolerant posture of some government officials to accountability and public scrutiny,” the statement reads.
The council said such actions are “dehumanizing, undemocratic, and undermine the essential role of journalism in promoting transparency, accountability, and public enlightenment.”
The NUJ demanded an immediate and unreserved public apology from Opeifa, while urging the NRC to take decisive steps to prevent a recurrence. It also vowed to pursue all necessary channels to ensure accountability and protection of journalists.
“The NUJ FCT Council stands firmly in solidarity with Comrade Ladi Bala and reiterates its zero tolerance for harassment, intimidation, or abuse of journalists, especially women journalists,” Oyekunle stated.
The union further called on relevant authorities to support a safe and respectful environment for media practitioners, stressing that press freedom is fundamental to Nigeria’s democracy.