Niqab controversy: NFVCB Reacts to Nancy Isime movie Role

The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has responded to requests to ban a controversial film starring Nancy Isime.

Nancy Isime recently posted photographs from the film’s unreleased parts, in which she can be seen wearing a niqab and wielding a rifle.

The picture, however, sparked a chorus of disapproval on social media, with several individuals expressing their displeasure with the actress for dressing in a Muslim costume while showcasing a heist scene from the film.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) joined the battle, calling on the NFVCB to prohibit the contentious film, which it termed as “satanic”.

In response to the calls, the NFVCB stated that the film is still under production and has not been classified.

The board stated that the filmmakers are “working to address the issues raised by the public”.

The NFBCB added that it will not overlook 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, has 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.

“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.”