The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) erupted in fury on December 17, 2025, condemning the provocative title of Ini Edo's latest holiday blockbuster "A Very Dirty Christmas" as a desecration of the sacred Yuletide season, demanding its immediate withdrawal from cinemas nationwide. The faith group accused the producers of mocking Christ's birth with "filthy" connotations unfit for family viewing, urging boycotts and regulatory intervention amid the film's explosive debut packed with sibling rivalries, buried scandals, and chaotic reunions in a Lagos Uchendu clan haunted by a missing sister's fate.
Directed by Akay Mason and starring Ini Edo alongside Lateef Adedimeji, IK Ogbonna, Nancy Isime, Eucharia Anunobi, and Femi Branch, the Minini Empire production blends betrayal, comedy, and festive frenzy but drew CAN's ire for trailers teasing "secrets and bodies" over nativity joy. Edo, facing direct cautions, defended artistic liberty while CAN vowed nationwide protests if unedited, reigniting debates on Nollywood's cultural sensitivities during Detty December.
This clash pits creative expression against religious sanctity, with theaters bracing for polarized turnout as the movie released December 16 grosses amid viral buzz, testing faith leaders' sway over Africa's cinema powerhouse.