The FCT Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), has demanded an immediate and unreserved public apology from Kayode Opeifa, Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) over his verbal assault on Comrade Ladi Bala, former president of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists and NTA transport reporter.
The NUJ, FCT Council, in a statement this Friday, 29/8/25, signed by the Secretary, Jide Oyekunle, 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 body roundly condemned what it described as harassment, intimidation, and verbal assault on the revered Journalist and vowed to pursue the matter to its logical conclusion to forestall a repeat.
“The council demands an immediate and unreserved public apology from the NRC boss and urges 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 assured.
Recall, the incident occurred on Wednesday, August 27, 2025, while Ladi was covering the aftermath of the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment.
According to Eyewitnesses the NRC Boss disrupted the Journalist’s live broadcast, hurled insults including “stupid,” “foolish woman,” and “useless,” and ordered security personnel to forcefully eject her from the scene.
The report further revealed that Opeifa allegedly threatened to petition the Presidency and NTA management to have Ladi sacked, vowing that she would never cover NRC activities again.
The NUJ further accused the NRC MD of insulting the chairperson of the FCT council, Grace Ike who attempted to resolve the matter.
