Court Restrains Kano Censors Board from Prosecuting Filmmaker Hajiya Amart

Lagos, Nigeria – Unchained Vibes Africa (UVA) is pleased to announce a significant progress in its advocacy for reforms in government actions and policies that hinder artistic freedom in Nigeria. In a suit filed by the filmmaker and supported by UVA (Suit No K/M2044/2024), Kano State High Court, presided over by Justice Adam Abdullahi, on Wednesday 13th November 2024, restrained the Kano State Censorship Board and Chief Magistrate Court 60 Kano, from interfering with the operations of Kannywood filmmaker Hajiya Aisha Amart. The Court also granted leave to the filmmaker to apply for an order of certiorari to remove, for the purpose of its being quashed, the Accused Summons dated 13^th February 2024 issued against the filmmaker by the Magistrate Court. The case was adjourned to 26^th November 2024 for hearing of the Originating Summons.

Since February 2024, Hajiya Amart and her production companies have been unjustly stripped of filmmaking licenses by the Kano State Censorship Board for being assertive about her artistic freedom and for her vocal criticism of the undue interferences in her creative works. Despite just completing several productions at the time of the Censors Board’s action, she has found herself unable to distribute her films due to the revocation of her licenses. This violation of her fundamental rights to produce and distribute films has not only undermined her artistic freedom, it has also deprived her of the means to sustain her career and contribute to the cultural life of her community.

Despite the Board’s actions, which Hajiya firmly contested as baseless and unlawful, she chose to take her stand and challenge the ban in court. UVA has stood by the filmmaker and provided the needed support against the injustice.

This court order effectively halts any further attempts by the Censors Board to prevent Hajiya from continuing her filmmaking activities, reaffirming her right to creative expression. UVA welcomes this development as a major breakthrough, not just for Hajiya, but for the entire artistic community in Kano and Nigeria. This progress corroborates our position that when artists assert their creative license and fundamental rights, real change can happen.

We commend Hajiya’s determination and encourage other artists to be inspired by her resilience. This case is a clear message: artists have the power to stand up against unjust restrictions and should do so to protect their creative freedom. The progress made here sets a precedent that, through unity and action, the rights of artists can be safeguarded.

Together, we must continue to advocate for an environment where artistic expression is free from censorship and undue interference.

UVA remains committed to defending the rights of artists and will continue to support those facing similar challenges.

Signed
Ayodele Ganiu
Executive Producer