Nigerians Condemn Nancy Isime Movie Over Hijab Controversy

Nollywood actress Nancy Isime has found herself at the center of a heated controversy after unveiling a movie poster that features women wearing hijab and face veils holding guns in a bank robbery scene. The poster, which was shared on social media, has sparked outrage among the Muslim community in Nigeria, with many accusing Isime of misusing the hijab and portraying it in a negative light.

The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), a leading Muslim advocacy group in Nigeria, has called on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to ban the movie, describing it as “satanic” and “Islamophobic.” In a statement, MURIC said the movie “insults the sensibilities of Muslims” and could incite violence against Muslim women who wear the hijab.

The NFVCB, which regulates the film industry in Nigeria, has responded to the controversy by stating that the movie has not been released and has not been submitted for classification. The board said it has reached out to the producers of the film to address the concerns raised by the public.

“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,” the NFVCB said in a statement. “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 controversy has also sparked a heated debate on social media, with many Nigerians expressing their opinions on the matter. Some have criticized Isime for misusing the hijab, while others have defended her right to artistic expression.

“Country is burning to the ground, these people are worried about how Nancy Isime ‘portray’ hijab in a movie,” one Twitter user wrote. “For crying out loud, it’s a movie. A fucking movie!!”

The controversy comes at a time when the use of the hijab in Nigeria has been a contentious issue. In 2023, a Nigerian court ruled that Muslim students have the right to wear the hijab in public schools, a decision that was met with mixed reactions.

As the debate rages on, all eyes are on the NFVCB to see how it will respond to the demands for a ban on the movie. The controversy also raises important questions about the role of art and freedom of expression in a multicultural and diverse society like Nigeria.