NRC Takes Decisive Action Following Assault on University Lecturer
The Nigerian Railway Corporation has implemented significant disciplinary measures and policy changes following a disturbing incident at the Moniya train station in Ibadan. This action comes in response to the assault of Dr. Mikail Abdulsalam, a respected lecturer from the University of Ibadan, which occurred on Wednesday, March 4.
Staff Suspensions and Criminal Proceedings
In a decisive move, the NRC has suspended Segun Okelola, the station manager at Moniya, for his direct involvement in the assault. Regional Manager Naomi Itajobi confirmed the suspension during an exclusive interview, describing Okelola's actions as "unprofessional and contrary to the NRC culture."
Meanwhile, two primary suspects in the assault—Tomisin Asiye, a locomotive driver with the NRC, and a private security personnel employed by the station—have faced criminal proceedings. Both individuals were detained at Agodi Correctional Centre in Ibadan after failing to meet initial bail conditions set by the Magistrate Court in Moniya. They have since been released on bail and are scheduled to appear in court on March 30.
Controversial Fee Halted Following Investigation
The NRC has taken the additional step of halting a controversial N200 drop-off fee that was being collected at the Moniya station. Regional Manager Itajobi explained the policy change, stating: "I have told them to stop collecting a fee from those who come to drop passengers; the only fee we are collecting now is for somebody who will park their vehicles and go with the train, and intend to leave their vehicles for a minimum of 4 to 5 hours to secure their vehicles."
This fee had reportedly been used as justification for previous harassment of passengers, with the station manager allegedly supervising such incidents. Itajobi expressed gratitude to Dr. Abdulsalam for bringing these practices to light, noting that "the assault had been happening, but nobody could boldly come out to report it."
Victim's Recovery and NRC's Response
Dr. Abdulsalam continues to recover from both physical injuries and psychological trauma sustained during the assault. In an interview, he acknowledged the NRC's response to the incident, stating: "I like the fact that the Nigerian Railway Corporation did not condone that act of thuggery exhibited by those individuals."
The lecturer confirmed that NRC management has offered repeated apologies through multiple channels, including messages, phone calls, and by sending a delegation to meet with him personally. While appreciating the corporation's actions, Dr. Abdulsalam expressed sadness that "many innocent people have been so cheated by those individuals, all in the name of working for a government agency."
He has not ruled out pursuing legal options to address the human rights violation but noted that the psychological trauma and disruption to his family cannot be easily quantified or compensated financially.
Organizational Changes and Future Implications
The incident has prompted what Regional Manager Itajobi described as "a mild reorganisation" at the Obafemi Awolowo Train Station in Moniya. Beyond the suspensions and fee changes, the NRC has issued a public apology for the behavior of its staff, with Itajobi questioning: "How can you be harassing our people like that? How can somebody be dropping off a passenger and you are collecting money from them?"
Passengers who have recently visited the Moniya station have reported a different experience, confirming that the controversial park fee has indeed been halted. This case highlights ongoing challenges in public transportation security and customer service, while demonstrating institutional accountability when such incidents are properly reported and investigated.
