Armed robbers target Funke Akindele during Omo Ghetto 2 filming – Bimbo Thomas

Nollywood actress Bimbo Thomas has shared a chilling account of a life-threatening armed robbery that took place during the filming of Omo Ghetto Part Two in Ebute Metta, Lagos. She revealed that the incident nearly cost lives, including her own.

Thomas, best known for her role as Nikky in the hit film that earned her widespread recognition, said the attackers appeared to be targeting Funke Akindele, the film’s lead actress and producer. She suggested the robbery was linked to a prior clash between the crew and local hoodlums.

In a recent interview with Chude Jideonwo, Thomas described how the filming process, which revolves around street life and gang culture, led to constant harassment from local thugs. She explained that the film’s portrayal of their reality often provoked the ire of the neighborhood boys.

“We were shooting in Ebute Metta, and boys would constantly disrupt the set because the film reflected their everyday reality,” she shared.

“Even though I grew up in the area, we had to bring in additional security to avoid interference and keep the peace.”

The robbery took place late at night after shooting had wrapped. The cast was staying at various hotels in the area, and Thomas initially stayed at a different location. However, Funke Akindele invited her to join her at the hotel, where they planned to unwind with a massage, a ritual they often followed after long days of work.

Around 1 a.m., the peaceful night was shattered by loud banging and cries of “Ole Ole” a Nigerian term for thieves. The group realized the hotel was under attack, triggering widespread panic.

“We were terrified. Funke is very prayerful, so we all started praying,” Thomas recalled.

“We feared they were after Funke, so we tried to hide her. At first, we attempted to hide her under the bed, but when that failed, we moved her to the bathroom.”

In a tense moment, Akindele hid under her gown, while the others knelt in fear, praying for their lives. Despite their initial efforts to barricade themselves in, the attackers returned, this time forcefully gaining entry into the hotel.

“When they came back, it was clear they were looking for Funke. They started calling her name,” Thomas explained.

In an unexpected twist, the attackers forced Akindele to dress and dragged her downstairs to her car. As Thomas and others watched in disbelief, they were left shocked as the robbers ordered Funke to sing and dance to Emi Omo Ghetto, a song from the film.

“Funke started singing and dancing, and I didn’t understand why,” Thomas said. “It was surreal.”

While only six armed robbers entered the hotel, Thomas revealed that about 20 others were stationed outside, creating an overwhelming sense of helplessness. Emergency calls were placed to prominent individuals, including Oba Saheed Elegushi, who reportedly mobilized support.

Soon after, officers from the Panti Police Station arrived, and gunshots rang out as they confronted the attackers, causing them to flee. The situation quickly spiraled into chaos, with one person shot and a pastor rushed to the hospital. Around 20 to 30 individuals, including Thomas, were stranded in the hotel’s reception, praying in fear for their lives.

“We were confused, scared, and helpless,” she recalled.

In the months that followed, Thomas learned that several of the attackers had been arrested, while others were reportedly killed in subsequent confrontations. Despite the trauma, she expressed deep gratitude for surviving the ordeal.

Reflecting on the events, Thomas noted that the attack likely stemmed from an earlier altercation between the crew and local hoodlums. During filming, some of the hoodlums had been arrested for disrupting the set and forced to record apology videos, which had evidently angered them.

“I think that incident deeply offended them,” she said. “It felt cruel and heartless, and it left an emotional scar on all of us.”

When asked by Funke later why she hadn’t handed her over to the attackers, Thomas replied, “If they were going to kill her, they would’ve killed all of us together. We were in this together.”

Grateful for their survival,  “We are truly grateful to God,” she added.