The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), FCT Council, has condemned what it described as harassment, intimidation, and verbal assault on Comrade Ladi Bala, former president of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists and NTA transport reporter, by Kayode Opeifa, managing director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC).
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 broadcast, hurled insults including “stupid,” “foolish woman,” and “useless,” and ordered security personnel to forcefully eject her from the scene.
He was also accused of threatening to petition the Presidency and NTA management to have her sacked, and allegedly vowed she would never cover NRC activities again.
The NUJ said Opeifa further insulted Grace Ike, chairperson of the FCT council, when she attempted to resolve the matter.
In a statement signed by Jide Oyekunle, secretary of council, on Friday, the NUJ described Opeifa’s behaviour as “a blatant violation of press freedom, women’s dignity, and a grave affront to democracy and the rule of law.”
The council demanded an “immediate and unreserved public apology” from the NRC boss and urged the corporation to take decisive steps to prevent a recurrence.
“The union will pursue all necessary channels to ensure accountability and safeguard the rights and welfare of journalists in the FCT and beyond,” the statement read.
