Speaking in an interview with Chude Jideonwo uploaded on Saturday, Thomas said the attackers seemed to be specifically after filmmaker and lead actress Funke Akindele, following earlier tensions on set.
Frequent Disruptions During Filming
Thomas, who played Nikky in the blockbuster film—a role that catapulted her into mainstream fame—explained that the production often faced disruptions from local youths.
“We were filming in Ebute Metta, and boys would always come on set to disturb us because it’s a thuggery movie and they felt we were depicting their everyday life,” she said.
Despite growing up in the area, Thomas noted the disturbances persisted, prompting the team to beef up security.
“It’s my hood. I grew up in Ebute Metta, so I thought they would accord me that respect, but we still had to bring security so we could shoot freely,” she added.
The Night of the Attack
According to Thomas, the attack occurred late at night after filming had ended. Cast members were lodged in different hotels, and Thomas initially stayed elsewhere before Akindele invited her to join for their routine post-filming massage.
“It was around 12 midnight, almost 1 a.m. We heard loud bangs and people shouting ‘Ole! Ole!’,” she recalled. Panic set in as it became clear the attackers were trying to force their way in.
In a desperate effort to protect Akindele, Thomas said they tried to hide her under a bed, then in the bathroom. “Funke was praying in tongues, the masseuse was praying in tongues, me, I was just begging God—if this cup can pass over us,” Thomas said.
The attackers eventually forced their way inside, calling specifically for Akindele. She was dragged downstairs to her car and reportedly asked to sing and dance while the robbers filmed, an experience Thomas described as deeply disturbing.
Chaos and Rescue
Thomas said only six armed men entered the hotel, while about 20 others waited outside. Panic spread among the cast and crew as calls for help were made to local leaders, including Oba Saheed Elegushi. Police from Panti Station later arrived, and gunfire forced the attackers to flee.
“It was chaotic. Someone was shot. A pastor was rushed to the hospital. About 20 to 30 of us were at the reception, not knowing whether to cry, faint or just pray,” Thomas recounted.
Months later, she learned that several attackers had been arrested, while some were reportedly killed. “I was thankful. At that moment, I was ready to attack one of them without thinking of the consequences. I could have been killed,” she said.
Aftermath and Emotional Impact
Thomas linked the attack to an earlier incident on set, when youths who had disturbed filming were arrested and made to record apology videos. She described the ordeal as “wicked and callous” and said it left a lasting emotional scar.
“When Funke later asked why I didn’t give her up to them, I told her, ‘If they were going to kill you, they would have killed us together,’” Thomas said.
The actress concluded her recollection by expressing gratitude for surviving the ordeal: “We thank God. Truly, we thank God.”