“I Would Have Died” — Actress Bimbo Thomas Recounts Terrifying Armed Robbery Experience on Omo Ghetto 2 Movie Set

Popular Nollywood actress Bimbo Thomas has opened up about a deeply frightening experience that nearly turned fatal during the filming of the blockbuster movie Omo Ghetto: The Saga. The actress revealed that armed robbers allegedly invaded a hotel where cast and crew members were lodged during production in Ebute Metta, Lagos, an incident she described as one of the most traumatic moments of her life.

Bimbo Thomas, who played the character Nikky in the Funke Akindele–led movie, explained that the attack happened at a time when the production team was already dealing with intense pressure and frequent disruptions. According to her, the incident was not random but appeared to be targeted, with strong indications that Funke Akindele was the main focus of the attackers.

Speaking during an interview with media personality Chude Jideonwo, the actress recounted how filming Omo Ghetto 2, a movie centered on street culture and gang life, attracted unwanted attention from local hoodlums within the filming environment.

She explained that shooting in Ebute Metta came with constant interruptions from street boys who felt connected to the storyline of the film.

“We were filming in Ebute Metta, and the boys around kept disturbing us because the movie reflected their real-life experiences,” she said.

Despite being familiar with the area and having grown up there, Bimbo Thomas noted that this did not protect the production team from harassment. As the disturbances intensified, additional security had to be brought in to ensure filming could continue.

“It’s my area. I thought they would respect me, but we still had to bring in security so we could do our job,” she added.

The terrifying incident occurred late at night, after filming activities had ended for the day. Members of the cast were accommodated in different hotels across the area. Bimbo Thomas revealed that she was initially staying at a different hotel before Funke Akindele insisted she join her.

According to her, Funke suggested they relax and have a massage session, something they usually did after long workdays. Actress Eniola Badmus, she noted, was lodged in another hotel entirely.

The situation escalated shortly before 1:00 a.m., when loud noises shattered the calm atmosphere.

“We suddenly heard heavy banging and people shouting ‘Ole! Ole!’,” she recalled.

Almost immediately, fear took over as it became clear that the hotel was under attack. Panic spread among everyone inside, with prayers becoming the only response.

Bimbo Thomas described Funke Akindele as very prayerful, stating that everyone present began praying intensely as they tried to understand what was happening.

Believing Funke was the primary target due to her celebrity status, they attempted to protect her.

“I told them she was the face everyone recognized. We tried hiding her under the bed, but it didn’t work, so we moved her into the bathroom,” she explained.

Funke Akindele reportedly hid under her gown in the bathroom while others knelt in fear, praying for survival.

“The masseuse was praying in tongues, Funke was praying in tongues, and I was begging God for mercy,” Thomas said.

Although the attackers initially failed to gain access, they returned moments later with greater force and successfully broke into the hotel.

“When they came back, it was clear they were looking for Funke. They were calling her name,” she revealed.

Eventually, Funke Akindele came out of hiding.

Bimbo Thomas said she initially believed the attackers would simply steal valuables and leave. However, the situation took an unexpected and disturbing turn.

“They asked her to dress up and dragged her downstairs to her car,” she said.

What followed left everyone in shock.

“I suddenly heard Funke singing Emi Omo Ghetto. I didn’t understand what was happening. They told her to sing and dance, and she did,” Thomas recounted.

She further revealed that although only six armed men entered the hotel, there were about twenty others stationed outside, a detail they only discovered later.

“We didn’t know they were that many. We were completely helpless,” she said.

Emergency calls were immediately placed to influential individuals, including Oba Saheed Elegushi, who reportedly mobilized support.

Not long after, officers from the Panti Police Station arrived at the scene. Gunshots rang out as security forces engaged the attackers, forcing them to flee.

“It was chaos everywhere. 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 said.

Months later, Bimbo Thomas learned that several of the attackers had been arrested, while others were reportedly killed during follow-up operations.

“I was grateful. At that moment, I was ready to attack one of them without thinking. I could have been killed,” she admitted.

She traced the attack back to an earlier incident during filming when some hoodlums who disrupted the set were arrested and compelled to record apology videos.

“Even though we settled the area before filming, that incident hurt them deeply,” she explained.

Describing the entire experience as cruel and emotionally draining, Bimbo Thomas said the trauma stayed with her long after the incident.

She also recalled a conversation with Funke Akindele later on.

“When she asked why I didn’t hand her over, I told her if they were going to kill her, they would have killed all of us together,” she said.

Ending her account on a note of gratitude, the actress emphasized how close they came to death.

“We are truly grateful to God,” she concluded.