On August 27, 2025, Mr Kayode Opeifa, the Managing Director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), harassed, intimidated, and assaulted Ms Ladi Bala, the Transport Correspondent of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), while covering the aftermath of a derailed train along the Abuja-Kaduna rail corridor. He also insulted Ms Grace Ike, chairperson of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, who tried to intervene.
Ms Bala, who is the immediate past President of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists (NUJ FCT Council), was subjected to unprovoked verbal attacks when the NRC boss questioned her presence, disrupted her live reporting and ordered security operatives to bundle her from the scene.
Mr Opeifa allegedly disrupted Ms Bala’s live report, calling her “stupid,” “foolish,” and “useless”, while questioning her appearance and professionalism. The NRC boss further reportedly threatened to report her to security agencies, the Presidency, and NTA management to ensure that she is dismissed. He thereafter ordered security operatives to forcibly take her out of the venue.
He also threatened and insulted the Abuja Council NUJ Chairman, Ms Grace Ike, who inquired, trying to hear his own side of the story and to resolve the situation.
The Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Council, condemned Mr Opeifa’s action, describing it as dehumanising and a gross violation of press freedom.
The NUJ FCT Council, through its secretary, Comrade Jide Oyekunle, demanded an immediate and public apology from Opeifa and urged the NRC to take decisive action to prevent a recurrence.
Mr Opeifa later apologised, saying, “The NUJ demanded an apology from me, and as a friend of the house, I apologise for what happened and take full responsibility”. He described his remarks against the journalist as “regrettable”, saying he was under pressure while managing the situation.
He said: “Acting under pressure and in the heat of the moment while trying to ensure safety, I uttered some unkind words for which I take full responsibility.
“To her, I offer my fullest apology. I also extend the same to the NTA, NAWOJ, and the wider journalism community. I have fought alongside journalists before; I am not their enemy.
“The media remain our partners, not adversaries. We will deepen collaboration with the NUJ, NAWOJ, and civil society to promote transparency and public trust.”
