The Nigerian web series Living in Colours on Sunday, September 13, returned to YouTube despite a warning from the National Film and Video Censors Board (NFVCB) that its public exhibition and promotion would be unlawful.
The series, produced by Prism House Studio, was initially uploaded to the studio’s YouTube channel on August 30, four days after the NFVCB announced that it was working with security agencies to stop its planned premiere in Lagos.
The regulator had said the production was neither submitted to nor classified by the board before its proposed public exhibition.
The series, which was released in seven episodes, attracted more than 90,000 views per episode during its brief initial run, according to figures displayed on the YouTube channel before the videos were removed.
By Wednesday, September 2, the episodes were no longer available on the channel after streaming for two days.
However, three episodes resurfaced on the same channel on Sunday, September 13, marking a renewed phase in the dispute between the filmmakers and the regulator.
The circumstances surrounding the initial removal remain unclear. It is also not known whether YouTube or the filmmakers removed the videos, whether the NFVCB submitted a formal takedown request or why only three of the seven episodes were restored.
The NFVCB has maintained that Nigerian productions distributed through platforms such as YouTube must be submitted for classification and registration before release.
On Wednesday, August 26, the NFVCB issued a statement saying it had been alerted to publicity for a media press call and premiere of Living in Colours scheduled at a cinema in Lagos.
The board said preliminary investigations showed that the trailer contained what it described as explicit content and promoted same-sex relationships.
It subsequently said the production had not been submitted, vetted or classified and warned that its public exhibition or promotion would be unlawful.
The NFVCB also said it was collaborating with federal and state security agencies to track, disrupt and halt the proposed premiere.
It contacted the proposed venue and warned that hosting an unclassified film could attract sanctions, including the sealing of the facility and revocation of its operating licence.
The board further said it was initiating legal proceedings against the production company, producers and promoters involved.
However, it has not publicly disclosed whether the threatened proceedings have been filed or provided details of any case.
Living in Colours is a Nigerian production by Prism House Studio, with Manuel Ruben credited as producer.
Tega Idogho and Udo Casciavit directed the series, which features Solomon James, Gabby John, Khalid Omokalemoh, Mirable Samuel, Temitope Alex, Joshua Eronini, Daniel Nsude and Emery Ogolo.
The series follows five young flatmates living together in Lagos as they navigate relationships, identity, friendship, ambition and personal struggles.
Its storyline includes characters with different sexual orientations and explores relationships and conflicts arising from their experiences.
The executive director and chief executive officer of the NFVCB, Shaibu Husseini, said that the board remained opposed to the release of the series in Nigeria.
Husseini said the regulator had taken steps to prevent its premiere and exhibition and would work to have it removed from platforms such as YouTube.
He said the Board had no issue with individuals identifying with their sexuality but maintained that such content should not be promoted through entertainment in Nigeria.
The NFVCB’s position comes against the backdrop of Nigeria’s legal restrictions on same-sex relationships and public displays of same-sex amorous relationships.
The Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibition) Act, 2013, prohibits same-sex marriage and civil unions and also contains provisions relating to public displays of same-sex amorous relationships.
However, whether the fictional portrayal of same-sex relationships in Living in Colours amounts to an offence under the law remains a matter for due process and, where necessary, judicial determination.
With three episodes of the series now available on YouTube, the dispute has shifted from the proposed physical premiere in Lagos to the regulation of Nigerian productions distributed through digital platforms.
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