The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has condemned an upcoming movie featuring Nancy Isime and other actresses wearing the Niqab, a Muslim full covering, and brandishing weapons. MURIC’s Executive Director, Professor Ishaq Akintola, described the movie as “satanic” and “Islamophobic,” stating it portrays Muslim women as criminals and incites the public against them.
In a statement, Akintola said, “An extremely anti-Muslim film has been released into the Nigerian movie industry… This film is satanic, repugnant, and provocative. It is aimed at portraying Muslim women as criminals with a violent proclivity.” He believes the movie is part of a plot to stop Muslim women from wearing hijab and Niqab, which has been a long-standing issue in Nigerian schools.
MURIC is urging the National Film and Video Censors Board to investigate and ban the movie, warning it could spark violence and ridicule against Muslims. Akintola advised calm among Muslims, saying, “We have received your messages and action is being taken right now… Allow the authorities to take necessary action.”
The movie poster sparked outrage among Muslims, who threatened to file a complaint with Meta, Facebook and Instagram’s parent company, over the “Islamophobic content.” Latifat Adewunmi Jumah expressed her dissatisfaction, saying, “The Niqab/Hijab is not an armed robbery attire!… Something needs to be done to stop this people. Niqab/Hijab is not a costume, neither is it a joke.”
Another Facebook user, Alfa Shehu, commented, “And one of our brothers from Ilorin is kuku in the movie with them. Hypocrites!… Awon alarun opolo gbogbo. Anything for clouts and monetisation.” MURIC’s statement emphasized the need to protect Muslim women’s dignity and prevent incitement against them.