The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) said on Thursday that it reached the producers of Blood Brothers over the use of the niqab in a robbery scene in the movie.
The scene has generated controversy among Muslim netizens since actress Nancy Isime shared a photo of it on Instagram on Monday.
The movie stars Nancy, Femi Adebayo, Deyemi Okanlawon among others.
Addressing calls for the movie to be banned, the NFVCB said in a statement by its director-general Shaibu Husseini that the film had not been released, adding that it made contact with the producers to address the contentious issue.
The statement said, “The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB), the statutory regulatory agency for film and video works as well as exhibition and distribution in Nigeria, 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.
“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.
“However, we have been able to reach the producers of the film and have taken steps to address the concerns raised with the producers.
“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.
“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.”
