The yet-to-be-released movie featuring popular actress Nancy Isime has sparked controversy and backlash from the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) and the wider Muslim community in Nigeria. The film, which depicts women in niqab participating in a bank robbery, has been labelled “satanic” and “provocative” by MURIC, which has called for its immediate ban.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Professor Ishaq Akintola, Executive Director of MURIC, condemned the movie for portraying Muslim women as criminals, arguing that it incites public animosity against them. “An extremely anti-Muslim film has been released into the Nigerian movie industry,” Akintola stated. “This film is satanic, repugnant, and provocative. It is aimed at portraying Muslim women as criminals with a violent proclivity.”
The controversy started after Nancy Isime shared a picture of the film on Instagram, showing women in niqab holding guns in a robbery scene. The image quickly went viral, leading to a lot of outrage and calls for action from the Muslim community. Many critics voiced their dissatisfaction on social media, arguing that the niqab and hijab are symbols of modesty and should not be associated with criminal activity.
In response to the outcry, the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) released a statement on Thursday that confirmed that the board had contacted the producers of the movie, titled “Blood Brothers,” to discuss the contentious portrayal. Part of the statement reads;
“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,” Husseini stated. “However, we have been able to reach the producers of the film and have taken steps to address the concerns raised with the producers.”
The NFVCB stated their commitment to ensuring that films and video content do not disrespect religious, cultural, or ethnic sensibilities. “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,”
MURIC has urged the National Film and Video Censors Board to place an immediate ban on the movie, warning that it has the potential to incite violence and public ridicule against Muslims.
Promise Babatunde
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