Nollywood Actress Bimbo Thomas Recalls Terrifying Armed Robbery During Omo Ghetto Part Two Filming
Nollywood actress Bimbo Thomas has recounted a harrowing encounter with armed robbers that nearly claimed lives during the filming of the blockbuster film Omo Ghetto Part Two in Ebute Metta, Lagos.
Thomas, who rose to fame portraying Nikky in the movie, revealed that the attack appeared to specifically target filmmaker and lead actress Funke Akindele. She linked the incident to prior clashes between the production team and local hoodlums who were frequently unsettled by the film’s depiction of street life and gang culture.
Speaking in an interview with Chude Jideonwo, Thomas described the tense moments after filming had wrapped up, when the cast and crew were lodged in hotels across the area. “We suddenly heard loud banging and people shouting ‘Ole! Ole!’” she recalled.
The actress explained how they attempted to hide Funke Akindele, fearing she was the main target. “We tried hiding her under the bed, but it didn’t work, so we moved her into the bathroom,” Thomas said. Others present, including a masseuse, reportedly prayed in tongues while the situation escalated.
Thomas recounted that the attackers eventually forced their way into the hotel, calling Akindele’s name, and bizarrely demanded she sing and dance, to which the actress complied. Outside, around 20 armed accomplices waited, leaving the cast and crew feeling helpless and terrified.
Emergency calls to local authorities and prominent individuals, including Oba Saheed Elegushi, brought reinforcements. Gunshots were heard as police confronted the attackers, forcing them to flee. Thomas later learned that several of the perpetrators had been arrested while others were reportedly killed.
Reflecting on the ordeal, Thomas admitted that the experience left a lasting emotional impact, but praised the courage of her colleagues and the protection they received. “If they were going to kill her, they would have killed all of us together,” she said.
Opinion: This chilling episode highlights the real-world dangers faced by creatives in environments where artistic expression can provoke violent reactions. While Nollywood continues to push boundaries with bold storytelling, incidents like this underline the importance of robust security measures on set. It also shows the courage and solidarity among cast and crew, as well as the resilience required to continue creating despite threats.
Moreover, Thomas’ story serves as a sobering reminder that the glitz and glamour of filmmaking often mask serious risks, particularly when productions engage with social realities that touch raw nerves in local communities. Protecting artists and ensuring safe working conditions should be as high a priority as the films themselves.
