Armed Robbers Invaded Omo Ghetto 2 Hotel, Forced Funke Akindele to Sing — Bimbo Thomas

Armed Robbers Invaded Omo Ghetto 2 Hotel, Forced Funke Akindele to Sing — Bimbo Thomas

Nollywood actress Bimbo Thomas has narrated a chilling ordeal in which armed robbers allegedly invaded a hotel housing cast and crew of Omo Ghetto Part Two during filming in Ebute Metta, Lagos, in what she described as a targeted attack on filmmaker and lead actress Funke Akindele.

Thomas, who played Nikky in the blockbuster film that launched her into mainstream fame, said the incident followed persistent disruptions by hoodlums during production of the thuggery-themed movie. Speaking in an interview with Chude Jideonwo, she explained that filming in Ebute Metta often attracted miscreants who felt the movie mirrored their daily lives.

Despite being a native of the area, Thomas said the disturbances continued, forcing the production team to strengthen security. “It’s my hood. I grew up in Ebute Metta, but we still had to bring security so we could shoot freely,” she said.

According to the actress, the robbery occurred late at night after filming had ended. Cast members were lodged in different hotels, and she had initially stayed elsewhere before Akindele insisted she join her hotel. Actress Eniola Badmus, she noted, remained in another location.

The attack began close to midnight. “We heard loud bangs and people shouting ‘Ole! Ole!’,” Thomas recalled, saying panic set in as it became clear the attackers were trying to force their way into the hotel.

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In a desperate attempt to protect Akindele, Thomas said they tried to hide her under the bed before moving her to the bathroom, where she concealed herself under a gown while prayers filled the room. “Funke was praying in tongues. The masseuse was praying. I was just begging God,” she said.

Although the attackers initially failed to gain access, they later returned and broke into the hotel. “It was clear they were looking for Funke Akindele. They kept calling her name,” Thomas said.

Akindele eventually emerged and was allegedly dragged downstairs by the assailants. Thomas described the scene as disturbing, saying Akindele was forced to sing and dance to ‘Emi Omo Ghetto’ while the attackers mocked her.

She revealed that although only six armed men entered the hotel, about 20 others were stationed outside, leaving the occupants defenceless.

Thomas said frantic calls were made to influential figures, including Oba Saheed Elegushi, who reportedly mobilised help, while officers from Panti Police Station later arrived. Gunshots were eventually heard as security operatives engaged the attackers, forcing them to flee.

“It was chaotic. Someone was shot. A pastor was rushed to the hospital. About 20 to 30 of us were at the reception, not knowing whether to cry, faint or just pray,” she said.

Months later, Thomas said she learned that several of the attackers had been arrested, while others were reportedly killed. She linked the attack to an earlier on-set incident in which hoodlums were arrested and made to record apology videos, an action she said angered them despite prior settlements with the community.

Describing the incident as “wicked and callous,” Thomas said the experience left a lasting emotional scar. “When Funke later asked why I didn’t give her up, I told her, ‘If they were going to kill you, they would have killed us together.’ We thank God,” she added.

Armed Robbers Invaded Omo Ghetto 2 Hotel, Forced Funke Akindele to Sing — Bimbo Thomas