NRC MD under fire for allegedly harassing journalist during train derailment coverage
The Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) has condemned Kayode Opeifa, managing director of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC), for allegedly harassing a journalist covering the Abuja-Kaduna train derailment.
According to the NUJ, Ladi Bala, a Nigeria Television Authority (NTA) reporter and immediate past president of the Nigerian Association of Women Journalists, was subjected to verbal intimidation while reporting live from the derailment site.
The train, which had departed Abuja for Kaduna, veered off track, causing several coaches to tumble.
The Nigerian Safety Investigation Bureau (NSIB) confirmed that six passengers were injured, but no fatalities were recorded.
In a statement issued Friday, Jide Oyekunle, NUJ FCT secretary said Opeifa “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 when contacted, the NRC boss justified his actions by citing security concerns, insisting that Bala’s live coverage posed risks.
Oyekunle further alleged that Opeifa threatened to report Bala to security agencies, the presidency, and NTA management “and ensure she was sacked from her job.”
“FCT council views this behaviour as a blatant violation of the fundamental rights and dignity of human persons of the journalists, especially women in the profession, and a grave threat to press freedom and the safety of those committed to delivering truthful information to the public,” Oyekunle said.
“This conduct of Mr Opeifa was not only dehumanising 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 amended).
“It is an affront on democracy and the 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 the intolerant posture of government officials to accountability and public scrutiny. Such conduct is unacceptable and contrary to the values of democracy and human rights.”
The NUJ demanded an “immediate and unreserved public apology” from Opeifa and vowed to pursue all necessary channels to ensure accountability and protection of journalists in the FCT.
