Nollywood star recounts harrowing hotel invasion
Nollywood actress Bimbo Thomas has shared a chilling account of a near-fatal encounter with armed robbers during the filming of the blockbuster movie, Omo Ghetto: The Saga (often referred to as Omo Ghetto 2).
Speaking in a recent interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, published on Sunday, January 4, 2026, the actress revealed that the incident occurred in Ebute Metta, Lagos. Thomas, who played the popular character Nikky, explained that the attackers invaded the hotel where the cast and crew were lodged late at night.
According to Thomas, the robbers appeared to specifically target the filmmaker and lead actress, Funke Akindele. She recalled the terrifying moment the gang began banging on hotel doors around 1:00 a.m., shouting “Ole! Ole!” (thief). “I thought I would have died that night,” she admitted, describing the atmosphere as one of total panic and desperation.
The actress linked the targeted attack to an earlier confrontation on set involving local hoodlums who had disrupted filming. Although the production team had reportedly “settled” the area and increased security, the previous friction apparently led to the retaliatory robbery. Despite growing up in Ebute Metta, Thomas lamented that her familiarity with the neighborhood did not shield the crew from the “wicked and callous” ordeal.
Funke Akindele hidden as attackers searched hotel
As the situation escalated, Bimbo Thomas and other crew members made frantic efforts to protect Funke Akindele from the armed men. Thomas recounted how they initially tried to hide the movie star under a bed, but when that proved impossible, they moved her into the bathroom. In a moment of extreme fear, the group resorted to intense prayer while the attackers searched the premises for the “face” of the production.
“The masseuse was praying in tongues, Funke was praying in tongues, and I was just begging God for mercy,” Thomas shared. The attackers eventually broke into the room and forced Akindele out of hiding, identifying her by name. To the horror of those present, the robbers reportedly dragged the actress downstairs and forced her to perform.
In a bizarre and humiliating twist, the gunmen ordered Akindele to sing and dance to the movie’s theme song, “Emi Omo Ghetto.” Thomas disclosed that while only six armed men were inside the building, approximately 20 others were stationed outside the hotel to prevent any escape. The helplessness of the situation left the cast and crew traumatized as they watched the lead actress being harassed.
Security intervention and the aftermath of the raid
The ordeal finally came to an end after frantic calls were made to influential figures, including Oba Saheed Elegushi, who reportedly helped mobilize a security response. Officers from the Panti Police Station eventually arrived at the scene, leading to a chaotic gun battle with the robbers. During the crossfire, a pastor who was also a guest at the hotel was reportedly shot and had to be rushed to the hospital.
Bimbo Thomas revealed that the experience has left a lasting emotional scar on everyone involved in the production. She later learned that several of the attackers were either arrested or killed in subsequent police operations months after the incident. “I was ready to attack one of them without thinking of the consequences,” she reflected, noting how close she came to losing her life.
When Funke Akindele later asked why Thomas didn’t simply hand her over to save herself, the actress replied that they were a family and would have “died together” if necessary. The interview has sparked renewed conversations about the safety of film crews in volatile locations across Lagos. Many fans have praised the bravery of the stars who continued to work on the project despite the immense physical and psychological risks.
Nollywood safety concerns in high-risk locations
The revelation by Bimbo Thomas highlights the broader challenges faced by the Nigerian film industry when shooting in areas known for high criminal activity. Filmmakers often have to negotiate with “area boys” and hoodlums to gain access to certain streets, a practice that frequently leads to extortion or violence. This incident on the Omo Ghetto set is one of the most extreme examples of how “street-themed” productions can attract real-world danger.
Industry stakeholders have called for better protection for cast and crew members, especially during late-night shoots or when lodging in high-risk zones. The success of Omo Ghetto: The Saga, which became the highest-grossing Nigerian film at the time, was built on the back of these terrifying experiences. For Bimbo Thomas, the movie remains a career-defining work, though it is forever tied to a night of “pure horror.”
As the industry grows, the call for dedicated security units for movie sets has become louder among Nollywood practitioners. The Lagos State Government has previously promised to provide a safer environment for creatives, but the reality on the ground remains a concern. Thomas concluded her account by expressing profound gratitude to God for surviving a night that could have ended in a national tragedy.
