Nollywood actress Bimbo Thomas has opened up on a terrifying armed robbery incident that allegedly happened during the filming of Omo Ghetto: The Saga (Part Two) in Ebute Metta, Lagos, an experience she said almost claimed lives.
Thomas, who played Nikky in the blockbuster movie that pushed her into mainstream fame, shared the chilling story during an interview with Chude Jideonwo, published on Saturday.
According to the actress, the attackers appeared to be targeting filmmaker and lead actress Funke Akindele, following repeated clashes between hoodlums and the production team during filming.
“We were shooting in Ebute Metta, and boys would constantly disrupt the set because the film reflected their everyday reality,” Thomas said.
Although the location was familiar territory for her, Thomas revealed that it offered no protection.
“It’s my area. I thought they would respect me, but we still had to bring in security so we could work.”
She explained that the attack happened late at night after filming had wrapped for the day. The cast members were lodged in different hotels around the area, but she ended up staying with Funke Akindele after the filmmaker insisted.
“Funke insisted I join her. She suggested we do a massage like we usually do after work,” she said, noting that Eniola Badmus stayed in another hotel.
The calm night quickly turned into panic shortly before 1:00 am.
“We suddenly heard loud banging and people shouting ‘Ole! Ole!’,” Thomas recalled.
Realising the hotel was under attack, fear took over the room.
“We were terrified. Funke is very prayerful, so we all started praying.”
Believing Akindele was the main target, they tried to hide her.
“I told them she was the face everyone knew. We tried hiding her under the bed, but it didn’t work, so we moved her into the bathroom.”
Thomas said Akindele hid beneath her gown while everyone prayed desperately.
“The masseuse was praying in tongues, Funke was praying in tongues, and I was just pleading with God for mercy.”
Although the attackers initially failed to gain access, they returned and forced their way into the hotel.
“When they came back, it was obvious they were searching for Funke. They were calling her name.”
Akindele eventually stepped out of hiding.
“I thought they would just collect valuables and leave, but instead they asked her to undress and dragged her downstairs to her car,” Thomas said.
What followed left her in shock.
“I heard Funke singing Emi Omo Ghetto. I didn’t understand what was happening. They ordered her to sing and dance, and she did.”
Thomas disclosed that while only six armed men entered the hotel, many others were positioned outside.
“We had no idea they were that many. We were completely helpless.”
Emergency calls were reportedly made to several influential figures, including Oba Saheed Elegushi, who helped mobilise assistance. Officers from Panti Police Station later arrived, and gunshots were heard as the attackers fled.
“It was total chaos. About 20 to 30 of us were stranded at the reception confused, scared, and praying.”
Months later, Thomas said she learned that several of the attackers had been 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 traced the incident to an earlier confrontation on set, where hoodlums who disrupted filming were arrested and made to record apology videos.
“Even though we settled the area before filming, that incident offended them deeply.”
Reflecting on the ordeal, the actress said the experience left a lasting emotional scar.
“When Funke later asked why I didn’t hand her over, I told her if they were going to kill her, they would have killed all of us together.”
She concluded with gratitude:
“We are grateful to God. Truly grateful.”