In a gripping new interview released on Saturday, January 3, 2026, Nollywood actress Bimbo Thomas has shared a harrowing, never-before-heard account of a near-fatal night during the filming of the blockbuster Omo Ghetto: The Saga.
Speaking with media personality Chude Jideonwo, Thomas revealed that the cast and crew were targeted by a gang of approximately 26 armed men while filming in the Ebute Metta area of Lagos. According to the actress, the attack was not a random robbery but a targeted hit on filmmaker Funke Akindele, allegedly sparked by a confrontation with local hoodlums earlier on set.
The “Nikky” star described the terror of hearing “Ole! Ole!” (Thief! Thief!) at 1:00 AM. In a desperate bid to protect Akindele—whom she described as the “face” of the production—Thomas and a masseuse attempted to hide the filmmaker under a bed before moving to a bathroom.
“Funke and the masseuse were praying in tongues; I was just begging God to let the cup pass over us,” Thomas recounted. Despite their efforts, the robbers—specifically calling Akindele’s name—eventually broke in and dragged the superstar downstairs to her car.
In a chilling detail, Thomas described seeing Akindele being forced to “perform” for the criminals. “I heard her singing Emi Omo Ghetto. They asked her to sing and dance, and she did,” she said, noting that while six men entered the hotel, 20 others were stationed outside as backup.
The ordeal only ended after frantic calls were made to influential figures, including Oba Saheed Elegushi, and officers from the Panti Police Station arrived. A chaotic gun battle ensued, leaving several people injured, including a pastor who was caught in the crossfire.
Thomas, who grew up in Ebute Metta, expressed deep shock that her own “hood” could turn so violent. Reflecting on the “wicked and callous” incident, she told Akindele afterward: “If they were going to kill you, they would have killed us together.”
Months later, Thomas confirmed that several of the attackers were either arrested or killed in subsequent police operations. The revelation has sent shockwaves through the industry, highlighting the extreme security risks Nollywood stars often face when filming on location.