NRC launches investigation into alleged assault of UI Lecturer in Ibadan

The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, NRC, Kayode Opeifa, has condemned the alleged assault on a lecturer of the University of Ibadan, Dr. Mikail Abdussalam, at the Obafemi Awolowo Train Station in Moniya, Ibadan, ordering an immediate investigation into the incident.

Opeifa, in a statement on Monday, said the management of the corporation became aware of media reports detailing the alleged attack on the lecturer and described the development as a matter of serious concern.

Opeifa stated that harassment, intimidation or any form of misconduct towards passengers or members of the public was unacceptable and contrary to the operational standards of the Nigerian Railway Corporation.

He added that the corporation had directed an immediate probe into the circumstances surrounding the incident to determine what transpired.

According to him, any staff found to have acted in breach of the corporation’s professional and public service code of conduct would face disciplinary action in line with established regulations and the laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The NRC boss also expressed regret over the incident, noting that the corporation was concerned about the distress caused to the lecturer.

Opeifa said the Nigerian Railway Corporation had extended its apology to Abdussalam over the incident, stressing that the organisation remained committed to ensuring that passengers and visitors across its facilities are treated with dignity, respect and professionalism at all times.

He noted that the corporation was taking steps to reinforce compliance with customer service standards across its train stations and operational facilities to prevent a recurrence.

The alleged assault reportedly occurred on March 4, 2026, when Abdussalam visited the Moniya train station to assist his sister who was preparing to board a train to Lagos, before a confrontation with some staff members escalated.

Opeifa assured the public that the corporation would ensure full accountability once investigations into the incident are concluded, adding that maintaining public trust and passenger safety remained a top priority for the railway authority.