By Erewunmi Peace

Two former employees of the Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) have raised concerns over what they describe as victimisation after allegedly exposing a network involved in the theft and illegal sale of railway assets.

The dismissed staff members, Olarewaju Michael Onakan and Rufa’i Magaji, claim they were suspended and later sacked for speaking out about alleged corruption within the corporation.

According to the former employees, they had reported the activities of a group they described as a “criminal syndicate” operating within the NRC.

They alleged that the group was responsible for the theft and sale of railway materials, including cables, traction motors, and other critical infrastructure.

The two men said they submitted petitions to authorities, including the Nigeria Police Force, seeking an investigation into the matter and calling for justice.

They further alleged that instead of addressing the reported issues, the corporation subjected them to disciplinary actions that eventually led to their dismissal from service.

The dismissed workers are now demanding an independent investigation into the alleged activities within the NRC. They are also calling for their reinstatement, payment of withheld salaries, and compensation for what they describe as wrongful termination.

However, some officials accused in the allegations have denied involvement in any wrongdoing. They insist that the disciplinary action taken against the former employees followed due process after internal investigations found them culpable of misconduct.

The situation has sparked fresh conversations about accountability, whistleblower protection, and transparency within public institutions in Nigeria.