The National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) has explained it has no legal backing to ban the movie ‘Gangs of Lagos‘.
Lots of controversies have trailed the crime movie since it was released on Amazon Prime.
It can be recalled that the Lagos indigenes under the aegis of the Isale Eko Descendants’ Union (IDU) had petitioned the NFVCB to ban the movie ‘Gangs of Lagos’ over alleged defamation of their community and Eyo masquerade.
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While responding to this petition the Executive Director and CEO of the regulatory body, Alhaji Adedayo Thomas, said the board can’t take any action against the movie for now.
According to him, the NFVCB has no legal backing to regulate what is being exhibited on the online platform.
Alhaji Thomas made this known in a telephone chat with newsmen. He explained that regulating online platforms poses a lot of difficulties since it’s not part of the mandate of the Board.
“Have you seen the movie in any cinema house or being exhibited in any open space? Our job does not cover regulating online platforms.
“I don’t know why people are referring to the Censors Board to take action. We have a bill before the National Assembly seeking to empower the Board to regulate online platforms and any other platforms where movies are exhibited.
READ ALSO: Gangs Of Lagos: Indigenes Petition NFVCB Over Defamation Of Isale Eko, Eyo
“Online platform is difficult to regulate and it’s not part of our mandate,” Alhaji Thomas explained.
Co-produced by Kemi Lala Akindoju and Jade Osiberu, ‘Gangs of Lagos’ was released on Amazon Prime Video, an online platform on April 7.
It featured the likes of Tobi Bakare, Adesua Etomi-Wellington, Chike Osebuka, Chioma Chukwuka, Olarotimi Fakunle, Chioma Chukwuka, and Bimbo Ademoye.
Other stars of the hit movie are Iyabo Ojo, Zlatan, Debo “Mr. Maraconi” Adedayo, Yhemolee, Pasuma, Toyin Abraham, Tayo Faniran, Damilola Ogunsi, Funke Williams, among others.
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