Why We Can’t Ban ‘Gangs Of Lagos’ Movie Despite Outrage By Lagosians – FG

The Federal Government has revealed why it cannot ban ‘Gangs of Lagos’ despite the controversies trailing the movie since its release on April 7, 2023.

The Gangs of Lagos film which premiered on Amazon Prime Video on April 7, 2023, tells the story of three friends who grow up in a crime-ridden Isale Eko in Lagos and are drawn into gang life.

KanyiDaily recalls that Lagos State Government had condemned “Gangs of Lagos” over cultural misrepresentation, saying the movie is a mockery of the Heritage of Lagos.

Lagos indigenes under the aegis of the Isale Eko Descendants’ Union (IDU) also petitioned the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) to ban the movie ‘Gangs of Lagos’ over alleged defamation of their community and Eyo masquerade.

Reacting to the petition in telephone chat with Vanguard yesterday, the Executive Director and CEO of the NFVCB, 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, but the bill to empower the board has been submitted before the National Assembly.

“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.

“Online platform is difficult to regulate and it’s not part of our mandate,” Thomas explained.

KanyiDaily recalls that the House of Representatives had also accused the Nigerian movie industry and the media of promoting ritual killings in the country.