Dr Shaibu Husseini, Director-General of the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), has requested an audit of the yet-to-be-released movie starring Nancy Isime wearing a Hijab and robing a bank after the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) and Muslim Public Affairs Centre (MPAC) raised concerns about the movie’s bad portrayal of the hijab.
The DG of NFVCB, who spoke after the Muslim organizations raised concerns about the movie’s bad portrayal, explained that the Board has demanded that the producer submit the movie for auditing and proper classification.
“We have tracked and reached out to the producer of the film. Nancy Isime is not the producer. She was only featured in the yet-to-be-released movie, which has not been submitted for classification. However, we have placed a demand order on the film and will address the concerns raised.” he said
Earlier, in a separate statement released by Executive Director of MURIC, Prof. Ishaq Akintola and Executive Chairman of MPAC, Disu Kamor, explained that the movie has portrayed Muslim women in a bad lite before the public, which will present them to ridicule and hatred.
“An extremely anti-Muslim film has been released into the Nigerian movie industry. It is Islamophobia taken to the highest level. This film is satanic, repugnant and provocative.
“It is aimed at portraying Muslim women as criminals with a violent proclivity. The film is capable of inciting the public against Muslim women. It may also expose Muslims in general to public ridicule and opprobrium,” he said.
He further stated that the producer of the movie is among those who have had ill thoughts against Muslims in the past. “We believe that the film is the handiwork of Muslim-haters and part of the plot to stop Muslim women from wearing hijab and niqab. The plot was hatched a long time ago, and its execution began in schools.”
He added that “This plot was boldly and diligently confronted in Nigerian courts by Muslims until the highest court in the land made a pronouncement on it. This satanic film is the latest effort in the war against hijab,”
Akintola, who spoke about the consequences of such portrayal in Nigerian society, explained that if allowed to air, the movie could instigate violence and set the country on fire.
“We therefore call on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to investigate and place an immediate ban on the coming film, don’t take the law into your hands. Allow the authorities to take necessary action.” the statement ended.
On his part, the Executive Chairman of MPAC, Disu Kamor, explained that the use of the hijab was disrespectful.
“The niqab, contrary to being a mere ‘black cloth’, is considered a divine commandment from Allah by millions of Muslim women around the world, as instructed in the Qur’an 33:59. Thus, it is worn by many believing women as a symbol of modesty and devotion,” he said
Speaking further he noted that “To depict it in a manner associated with criminality not only distorts its true meaning but also perpetuates harmful stereotypes. Such representations can lead to misunderstanding and prejudice, which are detrimental to the social fabric and unity of our diverse society.
In his charge, the statement noted that “MPAC urges the filmmakers to immediately remove these scenes from the movie. We also call on human rights organisations and government bodies to take a stand against such misrepresentations.
“It is imperative that they ensure that all media content respects the dignity and rights of all religious communities, promoting harmony rather than division or reinforcing harmful stereotypes,” Kamor said.
