Bimbo Thomas recounts Near-Fatal armed robbery during Omo Ghetto 2 shoot

Nollywood actress Bimbo Thomas has opened up about a terrifying armed robbery incident that occurred during the filming of the blockbuster movie Omo Ghetto Part Two, describing it as a moment that could have ended in tragedy for the cast and crew.

Speaking in an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, Thomas revealed that the incident took place at a hotel in Ebute Metta, Lagos, where members of the production team were lodged during the shoot.

According to her, the attackers appeared to be specifically targeting the film’s lead actress and director, Funke Akindele.

Thomas explained that tensions had been brewing earlier during filming due to repeated disruptions by local hoodlums who felt the movie reflected their street lifestyle and gang culture.

“We were shooting in Ebute Metta, and boys would constantly disrupt the set because the film mirrored their daily lives,” she said.

Despite being familiar with the area herself, Thomas noted that her presence did little to deter the harassment, forcing the production team to hire additional security to continue work.

The robbery unfolded late at night, shortly before 1:00 a.m., after filming had wrapped for the day. While some cast members stayed in different hotels, Thomas was lodging with Akindele at her invitation.

“We had finished work, and Funke asked me to stay with her. We were just about to relax when we heard loud banging and people shouting ‘Ole! Ole!’,” she recalled.

Realising the hotel was under attack, panic quickly set in. Fearing for Akindele’s safety due to her public profile, Thomas and others attempted to hide her.

“We knew she was the face everyone recognised. We first tried hiding her under the bed, but that didn’t work, so we moved her into the bathroom,” she said.

After an initial failed attempt to gain entry, the robbers returned more aggressively, forcing their way into the room and calling Akindele by name.

“When they came back, it was clear they were looking for Funke,” Thomas said. “They dragged her downstairs and took her to her car.”

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In a shocking twist, the attackers reportedly ordered Akindele to sing and dance to Emi Omo Ghetto, the movie’s theme song.

“I heard her singing and dancing. I didn’t even understand what was happening at the time,” Thomas recounted.

She revealed that while six armed men entered the hotel, an estimated 20 others were stationed outside. Emergency calls were made, including one to Oba Saheed Elegushi, who helped mobilise security assistance. Police officers from Panti Police Station later arrived, leading to a violent confrontation.

“It was chaos,” Thomas said. “Gunshots were fired, a pastor was taken to the hospital, and over 20 of us were stranded at the reception—shaking, confused, and praying.”

Months later, Thomas learned that some of the attackers were arrested while others were reportedly killed. She believes the robbery was retaliation for an earlier incident in which disruptive hoodlums on set were arrested and made to record apology videos.

Reflecting on the ordeal, the actress said the experience left deep emotional scars.

“When Funke later asked why I didn’t hand her over, I told her that if they were going to kill her, they would have killed all of us together,” she said. “We are truly grateful to God.”