The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has demanded an immediate ban on a new film by Nancy Isime, which they claim portrays Muslim women in a negative light.
News About Nigeria reports that the call was made by Professor Ishaq Akintola, Executive Director of MURIC, on Thursday.
According to MURIC, the film depicts women in purdah engaging in criminal activities such as brandishing weapons and robbing banks.
Professor Akintola described the film as “satanic, repugnant, and provocative,” alleging that it promotes Islamophobia and incites public animosity towards Muslim women.
“This film is a clear attempt to depict Muslim women as inherently violent criminals,” Akintola said. “Such portrayals are dangerous and could lead to increased discrimination and hostility against Muslims in Nigeria.”
MURIC believes that the film is part of a broader campaign against the hijab and niqab, traditional garments worn by some Muslim women.
The organisation has called on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to investigate the matter and impose a ban on the film to prevent further dissemination.
“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 the schools. 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.
“This hate film is capable of setting Nigeria on fire if urgent action is not taken by the relevant authorities. We therefore call on the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to investigate and place an immediate ban on the coming film,” the statement read.
The statement from MURIC urges Nigerian Muslims to remain calm and not to take matters into their own hands, assuring them that appropriate actions are being taken to address the issue.
“Our faith teaches peace and hope,” Akintola added. “We must continue to embody these values even in the face of provocation.”
