Actress Nancy Isime has come under fire from netizens after using a niqab in an upcoming movie project Blood Brothers.
On Monday, Nancy shared pictures on Instagram of a robbery scene from the movie dressed in Muslim attire. She captioned the post, “Life Lately.”
However, the post did not sit well with some netizens who took to the comment section to voice their anger.
Omobolaji Raheem said, “I’m a big fan and love your work. I noticed your character in the new movie uses a hijab for a robbery disguise. The hijab is deeply significant in Muslim culture, symbolising modesty and faith. Using it for criminal activities might reinforce negative stereotypes. Please consider alternatives that respect its true meaning. Thanks for understanding!”
Adedeji Aishah wrote, “It’s so disappointing that @femiadebayosalami is among the cast. A total disgrace to Islam. He want to tell us that he doesn’t know that Niqab is not a costume for anything not to talk of arm robbers. Nonsense and Ingredients!”
Khadeejah Oladoja also commented, “Pls make amends as to your costume as this is a great insult to the religion. Retrace your steps for whoever ridicule the religion of Allah without retracing his steps awaits a tormentful end.”
Akinpelu Aisha stressed, “This is totally offensive walohyi. No regards for this religion. Not even playing assasin role, this shouldn’t surprise us when our male Muslims are there without stopping on making correction about it. No regards for this religion, You turned niqob to something you can just use anyhow.”
Adiba Hayah took to TikTok to express her displeasure. “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,” Adiba began, “You’ve disrespected me, my religion, and everything that I represent.”
She emphasised that the niqab is not a costume and should not be used to depict negative actions such as a robbery. She expressed her frustration, stating that the hijab and niqab are symbols of modesty and faith, not props for entertainment.
“My issue with the use of hijab and niqab in what looks like a robbery scene is that it makes no sense. Hijab is not a costume; it shouldn’t be used for such. We are going through a lot already in Nigeria.
“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?” Adiba questioned.
She further argued that using the hijab or niqab for personal gain damages the image of Muslim women worldwide.
