NRC probes alleged assault on UI lecturer

NRC probes assault on UI lecturer after alleged attack by staff at Obafemi Awolowo Train Station in Ibadan

The Nigerian Railway Corporation has ordered an investigation into the alleged assault of Dr Mikail Abdussalam, a lecturer at the University of Ibadan, at the Obafemi Awolowo Train Station in Moniya, Ibadan.

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The Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the corporation, Kayode Opeifa, confirmed the development in a statement issued on Monday in Lagos.

The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday, 4 March 2026, when Abdussalam was said to have driven his sister to the station to assist her in boarding a train bound for Lagos.

A confrontation reportedly broke out during the visit, after which some members of staff allegedly assaulted the lecturer, inflicted injuries and threatened his life.

Opeifa said the management of the Nigerian Railway Corporation viewed the matter with serious concern and condemned any form of harassment or intimidation directed at passengers or members of the public.

“The corporation views the incident with serious concern and wishes to state clearly that harassment, intimidation or any form of misconduct towards passengers or members of the public is unacceptable,” Opeifa said.

The railway chief stressed that such behaviour does not reflect the organisation’s operational standards and professional values.

As a result, management has ordered an immediate investigation to determine the circumstances surrounding the alleged attack.

Opeifa added that any personnel found to have violated the corporation’s code of conduct would face appropriate disciplinary measures in accordance with existing regulations and laws.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation also expressed regret over the incident and apologised to Abdussalam for the distress caused.

According to the statement, the corporation remains committed to ensuring that passengers and visitors across its railway facilities are treated with dignity, respect and professionalism.

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Opeifa assured the public that steps are already being taken to reinforce customer service standards across railway stations nationwide in order to prevent similar incidents in the future.

Quadri Olaitan