By Oyinkansayo Wole-Bodunde.
Bimbo Thomas, actress and star of Omo Ghetto Part Two, spoke about a terrifying armed robbery incident that went down at a Lagos hotel where the cast and crew were staying during filming.
Bimbo Thomas, who is known for her role as Nikky, says the attackers were looking for lead actress, Funke Akindele.
The drama unfolded late at night, around 1 am, after a long day of shooting in Ebute Metta, Lagos. Bimbo Thomas stated that local hoodlums had been harassing the crew, and disrupting filming because the movie’s storyline portrayed their lives. She said, “We were shooting in Ebute Metta, and boys would constantly disrupt the set because the film reflected their everyday reality.”
Although she grew up in the neighbourhood, she said that familiarity did not stop them from interference. “It’s my area. I thought they would respect me, but we still had to bring in security so we could work,” she added.
Bimbo Thomas had initially stayed elsewhere but joined Funke Akindele at the hotel after being invited for a massage. She said, “Funke insisted I join her. She suggested we do a massage like we usually do after work.”
According to her, the attackers stormed the hotel, and people shouted “Ole! Ole!” Panic set in as they tried to break into the room where Funke Akindele and others were hiding. She said, “We suddenly heard loud banging and people shouting ‘Ole! Ole! We were terrified. Funke is very prayerful, so we all started praying.”
She stated that the attackers were initially unable to break into the room, but they returned, forcing their way in. Funke Akindele was hidden in the bathroom, but she eventually came out of hiding, as they were calling out her name. Bimbo Thomas said, “When they came back, it was obvious they were searching for Funke. They were calling her name.” She also said, “I thought they would just collect valuables and leave, but instead they asked her to dress up and dragged her downstairs to her car.”
She revealed that the next action was shocking. She said, “I heard Funke singing Emi Omo Ghetto. I didn’t understand what was happening. They ordered her to sing and dance, and she did.
Bimbo Thomas also revealed that while only six armed men entered the hotel, about 20 others were outside.
Emergency calls were made to prominent individuals, including Oba Saheed Elegushi, who reportedly mobilised help. Police arrived, gunshots were fired, and the attackers fled. Bimbo Thomas said, “It was total chaos. Someone was shot, a pastor was rushed to the hospital, and about 20 to 30 of us were stranded at the reception confused, scared, and praying.”
She revealed that months later, she learned that several attackers were arrested, while others were killed. “I was grateful. At that moment, I was ready to attack one of them without thinking. I could have been killed,” she said.
She traced the attack to an earlier incident on set, where some hoodlums were arrested and made to record apology videos. She said, “Even though we settled the area before filming, that incident offended them deeply.”
