The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has responded to the public outcry over an upcoming Nigerian movie that has been criticized for depicting the hijab in a negative light.
The controversy erupted after Nollywood actress Nancy Isime shared behind-the-scenes images from the set of the yet-to-be-announced film, tentatively titled Three Working Days.
The images, which show Isime wearing a hijab while holding a gun, have sparked significant backlash, particularly from the Muslim community.
In a series of statements posted on social media, Dr. Shaibu Husseini, the Director General of the NFVCB, acknowledged the complaints and provided clarity on the board’s position and actions.
“The @nfvcbng 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,” Dr. Husseini stated.
He clarified that the movie has not yet been released or submitted to the NFVCB for classification, which is a legal requirement.
“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,” he explained.
“However, we have been able to reach the producers of the film and have taken steps to address the concerns raised with the producers.”
Dr. Husseini emphasised the NFVCB’s dedication to maintaining ethical standards in film and video production, stating, “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.”
He reiterated the board’s mission to positively transform Nigerian society through responsible film classification.
“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,” Dr. Husseini added.
A Muslim woman, Adiba Hayah, who took to social media to condemn the use of the niqab in the film, was among the first to voice his disapproval.
Hayah stressed that the niqab should not be used to represent socially destructive purposes, stating, “I guess there is a new movie coming out; either it is produced by Nancy or her team, or she is featured in the movie.
“I am sorry if I didn’t pronounce your name well; I don’t mean to be disrespectful. However, you’ve disrespected me, my religion and everything that I represent.
“Niqab is not a costume; you do not use it to represent things that are unspeakable in society. There are other things you could use, but you chose to use the niqab.”
She added that Hijab is not a costume but a religious symbol that bespeaks a lifetime of religious commitment, representing character and an embodiment of a righteous woman.
She said, “Why would you want to introduce religious war? Why can’t you maintain boundaries instead of consistently trying to disrespect people’s faith just because you want to promote what brings food to your table?
“There are many alternative face covering that could be used in this scene instead of the niqab and the hijab. This is not another costume or fashion attire; it is an identity, a symbol of modesty, and a representation of somebody’s faith.”
The controversy deepened with additional images showing Isime and other cast members appearing to be involved in a robbery, with Isime in one image fully covered with a burka while holding another gun.
Among those expressing outrage was Bashir Ahmad, former Digital Communications Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari.
In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ahmad emphasized that the hijab is deeply associated with respect, modesty, and religious devotion among Muslim women.
“The producers of this movie should have considered alternative costumes, such as balaclavas or masks, for such scenes.
“For us, the Hijab (Niqab) is not worn by our women to hide their identity to commit crimes but to respect, follow, and abide by the teachings of our religion,” he added.
The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has also weighed in on the matter.
In a statement, MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, condemned the film as “satanic” and accused it of depicting Muslim women as criminals, potentially inciting public hostility against them.
The statement read, “An extremely anti-Muslim film has been released into the Nigerian movie industry. The upcoming film shows women in purdah brandishing dangerous weapons and robbing banks. 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.”
Akintola also called for the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to investigate and immediately ban the film.
