How armed men dragged Funke Akindele out on movie set

Nollywood actress Bimbo Thomas has recounted a terrifying ordeal in which armed robbers allegedly attacked a hotel housing cast and crew members during the filming of Omo Ghetto: The Saga in Ebute Metta, Lagos, an incident she said nearly claimed lives.

Thomas, who played the role of Nikky in the blockbuster film that boosted her mainstream popularity, disclosed that the attackers appeared to be targeting filmmaker and lead actress Funke Akindele.

She linked the attack to earlier confrontations between local hoodlums and the production team while filming in the area.

Speaking during an interview with Chude Jideonwo, published on Saturday, Thomas explained that the movie’s portrayal of street life and gang culture attracted frequent harassment from youths in the community.

“We were shooting in Ebute Metta, and the boys would constantly disrupt the set because the story reflected their everyday reality,” she said.

Although she grew up in the neighbourhood, Thomas said familiarity did not protect the crew, making it necessary to reinforce security on set.

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

According to her, the attack occurred late at night after filming had wrapped up, with cast members lodged in different hotels. She said she had initially stayed elsewhere until Akindele insisted she join her for the night, while actress Eniola Badmus stayed in another hotel.

Thomas recalled that shortly before 1:00 a.m., they heard loud banging and shouts of “Ole! Ole!” signalling the hotel was under attack.

“We were terrified. Funke is very prayerful, so we all started praying,” she said.

Fearing Akindele was the primary target, Thomas said efforts were made to hide her.

“I told them she was the face everyone knew. We tried hiding her under the bed, then moved her into the bathroom,” she explained.

She added that the situation escalated when the attackers later forced their way inside, calling Akindele by name.

“I thought they would just collect valuables and leave, but instead they asked her to dress up and dragged her downstairs to her car,” Thomas recounted.

She described the scene as chaotic, revealing that although only six armed men entered the hotel, several others were stationed outside.

Emergency calls were reportedly made to prominent individuals, including Saheed Elegushi, after which officers from the Lagos State Police Command arrived from the Panti area. Gunshots were heard as security operatives confronted the attackers, forcing them to flee.

“Someone was shot, a pastor was rushed to the hospital, and about 20 to 30 of us were stranded at the reception, confused and scared,” she said.

Thomas disclosed that she later learned some of the attackers were arrested, while others were reportedly killed.

Reflecting on the incident, she traced the attack to an earlier clash in which hoodlums who disrupted filming were arrested and made to record apology videos.

Describing the experience as traumatic, Thomas said it left a lasting emotional impact.

“When Funke later 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. We are truly grateful to God,” she said.