In a chilling revelation, Nollywood actress Bimbo Thomas has opened up about a harrowing armed robbery incident involving her and colleague Funke Akindele while filming at a hotel in Ebute Metta, Lagos.
The ordeal, which unfolded late at night, highlights the persistent security challenges facing entertainers and film crews in Nigeria’s bustling creative hubs.
Bimbo shared these details during an emotional interview on the WithChude platform, shedding light on the fear and quick thinking that defined the night.
The robbery struck between midnight and 1 a.m., catching the actresses off guard in their hotel room.
Armed intruders burst in, zeroing in on Funke as their primary target.
Bimbo initially believed it was a straightforward thef, they’d grab valuables and flee.
But the situation escalated dramatically when the robbers demanded Funke remove her clothes and escort them to her car.
Overpowered, Funke was dragged from the room, leaving Bimbo frozen in terror.
Gathering her wits, Bimbo slipped out quietly and headed downstairs.
To her shock, she heard Funke’s voice singing “I Was Born in the Ghetto.”
Peering through a window, Bimbo saw the robbers had forced Funke Akindele to perform, singing and dancing, as a bizarre distraction tactic.
The timely arrival of police sirens prompted the assailants to flee, sparing further harm.
Bimbo later reflected on the trauma: “We were left trembling, unsure what to do.”
Incident Breakdown and Eyewitness Account
Bimbo’s recounting paints a vivid picture of survival amid chaos.
The robbers’ focus on Funke, a box-office powerhouse known for hits like A Tribe Called Judah, suggests they may have recognized her fame, heightening the targeted nature of the attack.
Ebute Metta, a densely populated Lagos neighborhood, is notorious for petty crime, but this intrusion into a professional film set underscores vulnerabilities in off-grid locations.
No arrests have been reported yet, though Lagos police have acknowledged rising hotel robberies.
Bimbo emphasized Funke’s composure, her singing diffused tension, buying time until help arrived.
This echoes survival strategies experts recommend: compliance to de-escalate without resistance.
Security Risks in Nigeria’s Entertainment Industry
This incident isn’t isolated; it’s symptomatic of broader safety gaps plaguing Nollywood, Africa’s third-largest film industry by output.
With over 2,500 movies produced yearly, shoots often occur in budget hotels or remote spots to cut costs, exposing crews to risks.
Crime Trends in Lagos
Lagos State Command data shows a 15% uptick in armed robberies in 2025, linked to economic pressures, inflation at 24%, youth unemployment at 40%.
Ebute Metta’s proximity to markets amplifies opportunistic crimes.
Hotels, lacking robust security like CCTV or guards, become soft targets.
For stars like Funke, whose net worth exceeds N500 million, visibility invites peril.
Impact on Filmmaking
Nollywood generates N100 billion+ annually, employing 1 million indirectly.
Yet, incidents like this deter investors and talent.
Post-robbery, productions may hike insurance, already 5-10% of budgets, or shift to secured studios like EbonyLife Place.
Funke’s resilience, turning fear into performance, exemplifies the grit defining Nollywood stars.
Psychological Toll
Trauma lingers: PTSD affects 30% of robbery survivors, per WHO studies.
Bimbo’s “paralyzed with fear” admission highlights this.
Public sharing, common in Nollywood, aids healing but invites scrutiny, moderated discourse focuses on facts, avoiding speculation on motives or victim-blaming.
Economic and Social Layers
Funke’s song choice, “I Was Born in the Ghetto,” ironically mirrors her grassroots rise from Surulere to stardom. It diffused the moment, showcasing cultural quick-wittedness.
Industry-Wide Security Challenges and Reforms
Nollywood grapples with informality, 50% of shoots unregistered, bypassing safety protocols.
The 2024 Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) guidelines mandate risk assessments, yet compliance is spotty.
Solutions emerge: AGN partners with Lagos CP for “Safe Set” initiatives, including panic buttons and night patrols.
Tech like wearable alarms (used by U.S. crews) could integrate via apps.
Government incentives, tax breaks for secure locations, might help.
Role of Celebrities
Funke Akindele and Bimbo’s candor raises awareness without sensationalism.
Funke Akindele, producer of 7 blockbusters grossing N2 billion+, advocates for better welfare.
Their story spotlights gender risks, women comprise 60% of Nollywood but face disproportionate threats.
Forward Path: Building Safer Sets
Policymakers must act: Lagos’ 2026 budget allocates N50 billion for security tech, expandable to creative zones.
Filmmakers should prioritize vetted venues, chains like Transcorp Hilton offer armed escorts.
Community vigilance, via neighborhood watches, proved pivotal here.
For fans, support means measured reactions: commend bravery, urge reports to @LagosPoliceNG.
Avoid unverified rumors that inflame tensions.
This robbery, while alarming, ends positively, no injuries, assets recoverable via insurance.
Ultimately, Bimbo and Funke’s ordeal galvanizes change.
Nollywood’s resilience, turning ghetto tales into global hits, will prevail, but only with fortified protections.
As production resumes, their survival inspires: creativity thrives when safety leads.
