How Armed Men Invaded Omo Ghetto Set Hotel in Ebute Metta, Targeted Funke Akindele
Kehinde Adeleye
Nollywood actress Bimbo Thomas has recounted a terrifying armed robbery attack on a hotel housing cast and crew of Omo Ghetto Part Two during filming in Ebute Metta, Lagos, revealing that the assailants were allegedly targeting filmmaker and lead actress, Funke Akindele.
Thomas, who played the role of Nikky in the blockbuster movie, disclosed the incident during an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo. She said the attack followed repeated harassment of the production team by local hoodlums during filming, due to the film’s portrayal of street life and gang culture.
According to her, despite being familiar with the area, the crew frequently faced disruptions, which forced the production to increase security on set.
The robbery, she said, occurred late at night after filming had ended, with cast members lodged in different hotels within the area. Thomas explained that she had initially stayed elsewhere before Akindele invited her to join her hotel, while actress Eniola Badmus lodged at another location.
She recalled that shortly before 1:00 am, they heard loud banging and shouts of “Ole! Ole!”, signalling that the hotel was under attack.
Panic reportedly spread as the attackers attempted to force their way in. Thomas said the group began praying, believing Akindele was the main target due to her celebrity status.
Efforts were made to hide Akindele, first under a bed and later in the bathroom, where she concealed herself beneath her gown. Despite this, the attackers later broke into the hotel and reportedly called Akindele by name.
Thomas said the assailants eventually forced Akindele out, ordering her to dress up and dragging her towards her car. In a shocking twist, the actress was reportedly compelled to sing and dance to Emi Omo Ghetto.
She revealed that although only 6 armed men entered the hotel, about 20 others were stationed outside, leaving the victims completely helpless.
Help later arrived after distress calls were made to influential individuals, including Oba Saheed Elegushi. Officers from the Panti Police Station eventually responded, leading to gunshots and the attackers fleeing the scene.
Thomas said the aftermath was chaotic, with at least 1 person shot, a pastor rushed to the hospital, and about 20 to 30 people stranded in shock at the hotel reception.
She later learned that some of the attackers were arrested months after the incident, while others were reportedly killed.
Tracing the attack to an earlier confrontation, Thomas said some hoodlums who disrupted filming had been arrested and forced to record apology videos, an action she believes provoked the retaliation.
Describing the ordeal as traumatic and inhumane, the actress said the experience left a lasting emotional scar, adding that she believed surrendering Akindele would not have saved anyone.
“We are truly grateful to God,” she said.
