The Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) has called for a ban on an upcoming Nigerian film that allegedly portrays Muslim women in a negative light. The group has described the film as “satanic” and “Islamophobic”.
The film, which was recently unveiled by actress Nancy Isime, reportedly features women in Islamic dress such as the niqab (face veil) brandishing weapons and committing bank robberies. MURIC, led by Professor Ishaq Akintola, condemned the film, stating that it “depicts Muslim women as criminals and incites the public against them”.
In a statement, MURIC said, “This film is satanic, repugnant, and provocative. It is aimed at portraying Muslim women as criminals with a violent proclivity. The film is capable of inciting the public against Muslim women. It may also expose Muslims in general to public ridicule and opprobrium.”
The group believes that the film is “the handiwork of Muslim-haters” and is part of a broader plot to prevent Muslim women from wearing the hijab and niqab. MURIC has called on the National Film and Video Censors Board to investigate the film and impose an immediate ban.
The controversy has sparked outrage among the Muslim community in Nigeria, with many taking to social media to express their dissatisfaction. One Facebook user, Latifat Adewunmi Jumah, stated, “The niqab/hijab is not an armed robbery attire! The niqab/hijab is not an attire for concealing identity.”
Another user, Alfa Shehu, accused some Muslims of being “hypocrites” for appearing in the film, saying, “And one of our brothers from Ilorin is kuku in the movie with them. Hypocrites! It is these same people who will turn around tomorrow and say women in Niqab are doing this and doing that.”
MURIC has urged the Muslim community to remain calm and peaceful, assuring them that “action is being taken right now” to address the issue. The group has vowed to continue its efforts to stop the film from being released, stating that it will not allow anyone to “paint our women, our mothers, our wives, our daughters and sisters in the colours of Shaytan (Satan)”.