The management of the Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board has vowed to identify and prosecute the producers of the same-sex themed movie, The Best Guy, which has recently gained attention online
The film has sparked debate over the legality of producing LGBTQ content in Nigeria. This is not the first time the Board has taken action against filmmakers of restricted material; in 2020, it moved to track down the producers of the lesbian-themed movie Ije.
Speaking to PREMIUM TIMES, Executive Director Shaib Husseini said that although he has not yet watched the film, he has instructed his operations team to investigate it. A formal report will be submitted to YouTube, where the movie is currently streaming.
“The Board will gather information on the producers and forward it to the relevant law enforcement agency, which will handle the matter,” Husseini explained. “Nobody has the right to distribute same-sex movies in this country, and this film was not submitted to us for classification. The law is clear: any film or video produced must be registered and classified by the Censors Board.”
Husseini added that if the film had been submitted, it would have received an R rating for restricted content, in line with Nigerian law prohibiting the promotion of same-sex relationships. He cited a previous case in which producers were handed over to the police but later settled after agreeing not to distribute such content again.
The Best Guy, produced by Omeleme Studios and directed by Akpos Otubuere, features Melvin Oduah, Edson Obi, Daniel Uzor, Ayanime Edem, Grace Abah, and Chukwudi Udoye Eternal. The film follows Reverend Peter (Oduah), who is preparing to marry, and his secret partner Leslie (Obi), who fears losing their relationship. Unable to cope with sharing Peter with a woman, Leslie ends the relationship, prompting the reverend to propose to Leslie, his assistant, after a tense and emotional confrontation.
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Way to go !