NUJ FCT Council Condemns Harassment of Journalist by NRC MD, Demands Public Apology

The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has strongly condemned the harassment, intimidation, and verbal assault against Comrade Ladi Bala, Immediate Past President of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ) and Transport Correspondent with the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr.

In a statement signed by the Council’s Secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, and made available to journalists in Abuja, the union described the incident as a flagrant violation of press freedom and the dignity of women journalists.

According to the statement, on August 27, 2025, while Comrade Bala was carrying out her professional duties covering the aftermath of the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment, she was subjected to unprovoked verbal abuse by Mr. Opeifa. The NRC boss was quoted as saying: “You are stupid, your management is stupid, foolish woman. Look at you, you are not even properly dressed, useless. Who is watching NTA?”

Opeifa allegedly disrupted her live reporting, threatened to have her removed from the scene by security operatives, and ordered her to stop coverage. Witnesses at the scene confirmed he used derogatory language, personally attacking her appearance and professionalism.

When NUJ officials reached out, Opeifa reportedly cited security concerns for disallowing the live broadcast but went further to threaten that he would report Bala to security agencies, the Presidency, and NTA management to ensure her dismissal. He also vowed to prevent her from covering any NRC event.

The NUJ further noted that the NRC MD insulted and threatened the Council’s Chairman, Comrade Grace Ike, when she attempted to mediate and hear his side of the matter.

Describing Opeifa’s actions as “dehumanizing” and a direct attack on press freedom, the NUJ stressed that such conduct undermines democracy, accountability, and the constitutional rights of journalists under Sections 22 and 39 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

“This inhumane behavior by Mr. Opeifa represents a growing hostility towards the media in Nigeria and reflects an intolerant attitude of some public officials towards accountability and scrutiny. Such actions are unacceptable and contrary to the principles of democracy and human rights,” the statement read.

The NUJ FCT Council reaffirmed its solidarity with Comrade Ladi Bala, vowing zero tolerance for harassment, intimidation, or abuse of journalists, particularly women in the profession.

The union therefore demanded an immediate and unreserved public apology from Mr. Opeifa and called on the NRC to take decisive measures to prevent a recurrence.

“The NUJ FCT Council condemns this act in its entirety and will pursue all necessary channels to ensure accountability and the protection of journalists’ rights. We also urge relevant authorities to support a conducive and respectful environment for media practitioners, given their vital role in society,” the statement added.