Category: Entertainment News

Nollywood actress Bimbo Thomas has explained why she stopped taking “thug” roles after gaining widespread recognition for her performance in Funke Akindele’s film Omo Ghetto.

In an interview with Chude, the thespian said she made the choice on purpose because she did not want to be known for only one type of character.

Bimbo said she wanted people to see that she could act in many forms, not only as a street tough person.

She explained that in the industry, many actors are often fixed in one image, and she did not want her career to go in that direction.

At that time, she was still building her career, and stepping away from such roles slowed her down. Work was reduced, money was reduced, and even some friendships were affected.

Later, when she had a baby, she had to focus more on her child. Endorsement deals helped during that period.

Bimbo rose to fame after her tough street role in Omo Ghetto, one of the most popular Nigerian films, which later returned with a sequel titled Omo Ghetto: The Saga.

Her strong performance drew more attention to her, but it also placed her in a narrow role space.

She said she walked away from such characters so that her future roles would not be limited.

She said, “Yes, I did stop. You know, as a thespian, I really wanted to showcase myself, my versatility and other sides of myself apart from what God has used Funke Akindele to do. In this part of the world, actors get stereotyped and typecast, and I knew I had more to offer than being boxed into one role.

“Looking back, the decision may not have been right at the time because I was not yet fully established. But I was also afraid that if I became too well-known for that image, it would be harder to diversify later. If I had started producing then, things might have been different.

“That choice slowed things down for me. Then I had a baby and needed to focus on my child. Thankfully, endorsements came in; otherwise, it would have been tough. I paid a price for that decision. I lost roles, I lost money, and even some friendships.”

 

Nollywood actress Bimbo Thomas has recounted a terrifying ordeal in which armed robbers allegedly invaded a hotel housing the cast and crew of Omo Ghetto Part Two during filming in Ebute Metta, Lagos—an incident she said almost claimed lives.

Thomas, who portrayed Nikky in the blockbuster film that launched her into mainstream recognition, revealed that the attackers appeared to be targeting filmmaker and lead actress Funke Akindele.

She linked the incident to an earlier clash between hoodlums and the production team.

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

Although she grew up in the neighbourhood, Thomas said familiarity did not shield the crew from interference, making it necessary to increase security presence 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.

The attack, she said, happened late at night after filming had wrapped up.

Cast members were lodged in different hotels in the area. Thomas said she had initially stayed elsewhere until Akindele invited her over.

“Funke insisted I join her. She suggested we do a massage like we usually do after work,”she said, adding that Eniola Badmus stayed in another hotel.

According to Thomas, the incident began shortly before 1:00 am.

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

Realising the hotel was under attack, panic spread among those inside.

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

Fearing Akindele was the main target, Thomas said they attempted to hide her.

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

Akindele hid beneath her gown while the others knelt in fear.

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

“When they came back, it was obvious they were searching for Funke. They were calling her name,” she said.

Akindele eventually came out of hiding.

“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.

What followed, she said, was shocking.

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

Thomas disclosed that while only six armed men entered the hotel, about 20 others were positioned outside.

“We had no idea they were that many. We were completely helpless,” she said.

Emergency calls were made to prominent individuals, including Oba Saheed Elegushi, who reportedly mobilised help.

Officers from Panti Police Station later arrived, and gunshots were heard as security forces confronted the attackers, forcing them to flee.

“It was total chaos. 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.

Thomas revealed that months later, she learned several of the attackers had been arrested, while others were reportedly killed.

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

She traced the attack to an earlier incident on set, where some hoodlums who disrupted filming were arrested and made to record apology videos.

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

Describing the experience as cruel and heartless, 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,” she said.

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