“It Is Disrespectful”: Muslims Blast Actress For Wearing Hijab In Robbery Movie Scene

Nollywood actress Nancy Isime has come under criticism from Nigerians specifically among the Muslims after sharing photos of herself wearing a hijab and niqab for a robbery scene in a movie.

The movie star shared photos from an upcoming movie, and in the snaps, she appeared to be playing an armed robber.

In the photos shared on her official Instagram page, Nancy and others wore long black hijabs and niqabs on their faces while being armed with big guns.

The snap was taken in front of what appeared to be a bank, hinting that it was a robbery.

Reactions

Shortly after Nancy’s post went up, her comment section was overrun by comments from some people who disagreed with the concept. While others took to their social media to criticize her actions in the movie.

Bashir Ahmed, aformer aide of ex-President Muhammadu Buhari, also joined other Nigerian Muslims to condemn Nancy’s action.

He wrote on his x handle, “I join my brothers and sisters to strongly protest the use of the Hijab (Niqab) in an upcoming Nigerian movie produced by one Ms. Bolanle Ayo. The Hijab is an outfit deeply attributed to Muslim women that symbolizes respect, modesty, and religious devotion. And, I believe it should not be used as a mere costume in a movie, especially when the scenes it portrays are clearly associated with negative moral vices.

“Using the Hijab in such scenes is a profound disrespect to our mothers, sisters, and daughters. This garment is a symbol of respect, and portraying it in a manner that suggests otherwise is offensive to those who wear it for religious purposes.

“The producers of this movie should have considered alternative costumes, such as balaclavas or masks, for such scenes. For us, the Hijab (Niqab) is not worn by our women to hide their identity to commit crimes but to respect, follow, and abide by the teachings of our religion.

“I join well-meaning Nigerians in calling on the producers of this movie to respect our religion and remove all the scenes where the Hijab is portrayed negatively. We also urge the National Film and Video Censors Board (@nfvcbng) to censor these hurtful scenes to protect the dignity of those who wear the Hijab.

“We hope that our concerns will be addressed promptly and appropriately.”

Corroborating, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC) on Thursday urged the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to immediately “investigate and place an immediate ban” on the yet-to-be-released movie where actress Nancy Isime wore an Islamic full covering called ‘The Niqab,’ and brandished dangerous weapons.

The group alleged that it this “depicts Muslim women as criminals and incites the public against them,” describing the movie as “Satanic”.

Executive Director of the MURIC, Professor Ishaq Akintola, said that the “new movie trending in Nigeria shows women in purdah brandishing dangerous weapons, robbing banks and committing other crimes,” is “satanic, repugnant and provocative.”

The full statement by Professor Akintola reads, “An extremely anti-Muslim film has been released into the Nigerian movie industry. The upcoming film which was recently unveiled by Nancy Isime shows women in purdah brandishing dangerous weapons and robbing banks. It is Islamophobia taken to the highest level. 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.

“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.

“To Nigerian Muslims who have inundated our communication channels with video clips, voice notes and other types of messages, we have this to say: please remain calm and peaceful. You have spoken loud and clear. We have received your messages and action is being taken right now. Our religion brought a message of hope and peace to the world.

“We will not allow anyone to paint our women, our mothers, our wives, our daughters, and sisters in the colors of Shaytan. Be good ambassadors of Islam. Don’t take the law into your hands. Allow the authorities to take necessary action.”