Funke Akindele got targeted in a terrifying armed hotel raid. Nollywood actress Bimbo Thomas just detailed a horrific armed robbery during the filming of Omo Ghetto Part Two in Ebute Metta, Lagos, where attackers allegedly specifically hunted for the filmmaker and star, Funke Akindele. Thomas explained in an interview with Chude Jideonwo that the late-night assault at their hotel followed ongoing harassment from local hoodlums upset by the movie's street life content. She said about six armed men broke in, calling for Akindele by name, while roughly twenty more waited outside.
Thomas described a scene of pure panic, with the group praying intensely as the men banged on doors. They tried hiding Akindele under a bed and then in a bathroom, fearing she was the main target. The attackers eventually forced their way inside, located Akindele, and made her dress before taking her downstairs.
According to Thomas, the robbers then ordered Akindele to sing and dance to Emi Omo Ghetto, the film's theme, which she complied with while being marched to her car. Thomas believed the incident was retaliation for an earlier on-set clash where some disruptive area boys were arrested and forced to record apology videos.
Emergency calls for help went out, reportedly reaching figures like Oba Saheed Elegushi. Police from the Panti station arrived, leading to a confrontation with gunfire that scattered the robbers. The chaos left one person shot, a pastor hospitalized, and dozens from the crew stranded and terrified in the hotel reception.
Months after the event, Thomas learned several attackers were arrested, and some were killed. She reflected on the lasting emotional damage from the cruel experience, stating she was ready to fight back in the moment, which could have gotten her killed. When Akindele later asked why Thomas did not simply surrender her, Thomas replied that if the plan was murder, they all would have died together.
Thomas described a scene of pure panic, with the group praying intensely as the men banged on doors. They tried hiding Akindele under a bed and then in a bathroom, fearing she was the main target. The attackers eventually forced their way inside, located Akindele, and made her dress before taking her downstairs.
According to Thomas, the robbers then ordered Akindele to sing and dance to Emi Omo Ghetto, the film's theme, which she complied with while being marched to her car. Thomas believed the incident was retaliation for an earlier on-set clash where some disruptive area boys were arrested and forced to record apology videos.
Emergency calls for help went out, reportedly reaching figures like Oba Saheed Elegushi. Police from the Panti station arrived, leading to a confrontation with gunfire that scattered the robbers. The chaos left one person shot, a pastor hospitalized, and dozens from the crew stranded and terrified in the hotel reception.
Months after the event, Thomas learned several attackers were arrested, and some were killed. She reflected on the lasting emotional damage from the cruel experience, stating she was ready to fight back in the moment, which could have gotten her killed. When Akindele later asked why Thomas did not simply surrender her, Thomas replied that if the plan was murder, they all would have died together.
