Nollywood actress Bimbo Thomas has recounted a terrifying armed robbery incident that occurred during the filming of Omo Ghetto: The Saga (Omo Ghetto Part Two), saying the attack nearly cost her life and that of other cast members.
Thomas, who played the role of Nikky in the blockbuster film, said armed men stormed a hotel housing members of the cast and crew in Ebute Metta, Lagos, during the production of the movie. She disclosed that the attackers appeared to be targeting the filmmaker and lead actress, Funke Akindele.
The actress shared the experience during a recent interview over the weekend.
According to Thomas, filming the movie, which explores street life and gang culture, attracted frequent harassment from local hoodlums in the area.
“We were shooting in Ebute Metta, and the boys kept disturbing us because the story reflected their everyday reality,” she said.
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Although she grew up in the neighbourhood, Thomas said familiarity did not protect the production team, forcing them to increase security on set.
“It’s my area. I thought they would respect me, but we still had to bring security before we could work,” she added.
The robbery occurred late at night after filming had ended. Cast members were lodged in different hotels within the area. Thomas said she had initially stayed in another hotel before Akindele insisted she join her.
“Funke asked me to come over so we could relax and get a massage like we usually do after filming,” she said, noting that actress Eniola Badmus stayed in a separate hotel.
Thomas recalled that the incident started shortly before 1:00 a.m.
“We suddenly heard loud banging and people shouting ‘Ole! Ole!’,” she said.
Realising the hotel was under attack, panic spread among the occupants.
“We were all terrified. Funke is very prayerful, so we started praying immediately,” Thomas said.
Believing Akindele was the main target, the group tried to hide her.
“I told them she was the face everyone knew. We first hid her under the bed, but it didn’t work, so we moved her into the bathroom,” she explained.
Akindele reportedly hid under her gown while others knelt in fear. “The masseuse was praying in tongues, Funke was praying in tongues, and I was begging God for mercy,” Thomas said. Although the attackers failed to gain entry at first, they later forced their way into the hotel.
“When they returned, it was clear they were looking for Funke. They were calling her name,” she said. Akindele eventually revealed herself.
“I thought they would take valuables and leave, but they asked her to dress up and dragged her downstairs to her car,” Thomas recounted.
She said the situation took an unexpected turn when the attackers ordered Akindele to sing and dance. “I heard Funke singing Emi Omo Ghetto. I didn’t understand what was happening. They made her sing and dance,” she said. Thomas disclosed that while only six armed men entered the hotel, about 20 others waited outside.
“We didn’t know they were that many. We were completely helpless,” she said.
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Emergency calls were reportedly made to prominent individuals, including Oba Saheed Elegushi, who mobilised help. Officers from the Panti Police Station later arrived, and gunshots were fired as security operatives confronted the attackers, forcing them to flee.
“It was chaos. Someone was shot, a pastor was rushed to the hospital, and about 20 to 30 of us were stranded at the reception, scared and praying,” she said.
Months later, Thomas said she learned that several of the attackers were arrested, while others were reportedly killed.
“At that moment, I was ready to attack one of them without thinking. I could have been killed,” she said.
She traced the attack to an earlier clash on set, where hoodlums who disrupted filming were arrested and forced to record apology videos.
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“Even though we settled the area before filming, that incident offended them deeply,” she explained.
Describing the experience as traumatic, Thomas said it left a lasting emotional scar.
“When Funke later asked why I didn’t hand her over, I told her if they wanted to kill her, they would have killed all of us together,” she said.
“We are truly grateful to God,” she added.
Esther Ososanya is an investigative journalist with Pinnacle Daily, reporting across health, business, environment, metro, Fct and crime. Known for her bold, empathetic storytelling, she uncovers hidden truths, challenges broken systems, and gives voice to overlooked Nigerians. Her work drives national conversations and demands accountability one powerful story at a time.
