NFVCB Promises To Prosecute Producers Of Viral Same-Sex Movie The Best Guy
The Nigerian Film and Video Censors Board has pledged to track and prosecute the producers of the same-sex themed film The Best Guy, which has recently gone viral online.
The movie has reignited debate over the legality of LGBTQ-themed content in Nigeria. The Board has previously taken action against similar productions, including the 2020 lesbian-themed movie Ije.
Executive Director Shaib Husseini told PREMIUM TIMES that although he has not yet seen the film, he has directed his operations team to investigate. A formal report will be sent to YouTube, where the film is currently streaming.
“The Board will obtain information about the producers and forward it to the appropriate law enforcement agency to take necessary action,” Husseini said. “No one is permitted to distribute same-sex movies in Nigeria, and this film was not submitted to us for classification. Filmmakers are reminded that all films must be registered and classified by the Censors Board before distribution.”
Husseini added that, had the film been submitted, it would have received an R rating, restricting its audience, in accordance with Nigerian law that prohibits promoting same-sex relationships. He referenced a previous case where producers were handed over to the police but settled after agreeing not to distribute similar content again.
Produced by Omeleme Studios and directed by Akpos Otubuere, The Best Guy stars Melvin Oduah, Edson Obi, Daniel Uzor, Ayanime Edem, Grace Abah, and Chukwudi Udoye Eternal. The film tells the story of Reverend Peter (Oduah), who is about to marry, and his secret partner Leslie (Obi), who fears losing him. Leslie ends the relationship, but after a heated confrontation, Peter proposes to Leslie, his assistant.
