The Nigerian Government, through the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), has responded to calls for the ban of a controversial film featuring actress Nancy Isime.
Isime appears in a viral poster for an upcoming movie, where she is depicted wearing a niqab during a robbery scene.
A niqab is a long garment worn by some Muslim women to cover the entire body and face, leaving only the eyes visible.
The poster sparked widespread condemnation online, with many Muslims, including the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), urging the NFVCB to ban the film, labeling it as satanic.
In a statement released on the 26th of July 2024, the NFVCB addressed these calls, clarifying that the film is still in production and has not yet been submitted for classification.
“The National Film and Video Censors Board, NFVCB, the statutory regulatory agency for film and video works as well as exhibition and distribution in Nigeria, have received complaints about an upcoming Nigerian movie that associated the Hijab, an outfit attributed to Muslim women that symbolizes modesty and religious devotion, with negative moral vices.
“Our check revealed that the movie has not been released, and it has not been submitted for classification as required by law and our mandate.
“However, we have been able to reach the producers of the film and have taken steps to address the concerns raised with the producers.
“We restate that as a classification agency, we will not overlook any movie or video works, including skits that abuse, denigrate, or undermine religious, cultural, and ethnic sensibilities.
“We commit to contributing to positive transformation of the Nigerian society through classification of video and film works whilst balancing the need to preserve freedom of expression within the law, and limit cultural, social and religious harm caused by films,” the agency said.