The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned the harassment, intimidation, and verbal abuse of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) reporter, Ladi Bala by the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), Mr. Kayode Opeifa.
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council of NUJ recalled that on August 27, 2025, while performing her professional and legal duties covering the aftermath of the train derailment along the Abuja-Kaduna rail line, Bala was subjected to unprovoked assault by the Opeifa using words like “you are stupid, your management is stupid, foolish woman, ‘look at you, you are not even properly dressed, useless.” Who is watching NTA “ and so on.
The Secretary of Council, Jide Oyekunle in a statement issued Friday said Opeifa, who aggressively questioned her presence, disrupted her live reporting in the process and allegedly threatened her with physical removal, and eventually ordered security personnel to bundle her away from the scene.
He added that according to other journalists who were at the scene, Opeifa verbally assaulted her with derogatory and demeaning language, including personal attacks on her appearance and professionalism.
Oyekunle stressed that when NUJ officials reached out to the Managing Director he cited security reasons for not allowing her to do live streaming, but continued to threatenBala that he would report her to the security agencies, Presidency and NTA management and ensure she is sacked from her office.
He noted: “This conduct of Mr. Opeifa was not only dehumanizing but a blatant violation of the journalist’s right to freedom of expression and press freedom as guaranteed under Section 22 and Section 39 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999( as mended)
“It is an affront on democracy and rule of law and such acts of intimidation and violence undermine the fundamental role of journalism in promoting transparency, accountability, and public enlightenment.
“The inane attitude of Mr. Opeifa is another clear indication of growing hostility against the media in Nigeria and intolerant posture of government officials to accountability and public scrutiny.
Such conduct is unacceptable and contrary to the values of democracy and human rights.
“In the light of this the NUJ demands an immediate and unreserved public apology from Mr. Kayode Opeifa and calls on the Nigerian Railway Corporation to take decisive actions to prevent any recurrence of such incidents.”
“NUJ FCT council condemns this act in its totality and has zero tolerance for harassment and Intimidation of journalists in the FCT. The union will pursue all necessary channels to ensure accountability and safeguard the rights and welfare of journalists in the FCT and beyond.”