The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has responded to calls for the ban of a controversial film starring Nancy Isime.
Isime recently published photographs from the unreleased movie, showing her wearing a niqab and clutching a rifle.
A niqāb is a long garment used by Muslim women to cover their entire body and face, except for their eyes.
The actress faced criticism on social media for wearing Muslim clothing while showcasing a robbery scene from the movie.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) urged the NFVCB to ban the film, describing it as “satanic”.
The NFVCB responded to the calls by stating that the picture is still in production and has not yet been classified.
The board stated that the film makers are “working to address the issues raised by the public”.
The NFBCB has stated that it will not tolerate creative works that “abuse, denigrate, or undermine religious, cultural, and ethnic sensibilities.”
“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 respect, modesty and religious devotion, with negative moral vices,” the statement reads in part.
“Our check revealed that the movie has not been released, and it has not been submitted to the NFVCB 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, the NFVCB will not overlook any film or video works, including dramatized short contents (skits) that abuse, denigrate, or undermine religious, cultural, and ethnic sensibilities.
“We commit to contributing to the positive transformation of the Nigerian society through classification of films and video works whilst balancing the need to preserve freedom of expression within the law, and limit social, cultural and religious harm caused by films.”
