Nollywood Star Adeniyi Johnson Shares Harrowing Encounter with Lagos Robbers Days After Returning from Abroad

 

Returning to one’s homeland is often an occasion filled with warmth, nostalgia, and familial joy. For Nollywood actor Adeniyi Johnson, however, that return was met with chaos, fear, and a chilling encounter on the dark streets of Lagos. Johnson took to Instagram on Thursday to reveal the frightening ordeal that greeted him upon his return to Nigeria — a narrowly-escaped robbery that left his car damaged and his nerves shaken.

A video accompanied his post, showing visible damage to his vehicle — a stark reminder of the traumatic experience. In a detailed caption, Johnson painted a vivid picture of what transpired. According to him, the incident unfolded shortly after he descended from the Third Mainland Bridge, just past the Alapere area, and on the stretch leading to the Lagos State Secretariat before Magodo.

Describing the chaos, he recounted hearing a loud bang on his windshield, followed by the sudden appearance of three assailants who descended upon his car within seconds. He emphasized how quickly it all happened — a total of just 15 seconds — yet the memory has been etched into his mind. “Thank God for smartness and alertness,” he wrote, reflecting on how his instincts possibly saved him from further harm.

The actor, known for his roles in popular Yoruba-language films, noted that one thug appeared at the driver's side while two others flanked the opposite side. The invaders shouted slang-filled commands in Yoruba, demanding that he surrender his car’s side mirrors and windshield. “Yo mirror e,” one yelled, instructing him to remove it, while another banged on the window, commanding, “Fo glass e,” — a demand to break the glass.

Johnson speculated that there were more attackers than the three he managed to see, but fear clouded his vision and his focus remained on escaping the dangerous situation. He blamed the incident partly on two large trailers that were illegally occupying the road and belching thick smoke, making it difficult for drivers to maneuver. While trying to overtake the obstructive vehicles, he unintentionally found himself in a vulnerable position.

He shared that the damage done to his vehicle could have been worse had it not been for his quick thinking. The video clip he posted reveals minor damage, which he says is a small price to pay compared to what could have happened.

Beyond personal safety, Johnson raised broader concerns about public security in Lagos, taking a jab at the state’s security apparatus. He criticized the common practice of police stop-and-search routines that often end with officers asking motorists for money, rather than focusing on crime prevention. “Lagos needs better security than those stop and search that ask oga how weekend, anything for us,” he lamented.

This is not Johnson’s first encounter with robbers in the city. He revealed that a similar incident occurred earlier in April, around 7:15 p.m., though he did not elaborate on the specifics. This recent scare, happening at around 11 p.m., was enough to prompt him to caution others. “Guys, please stay woke, be safe,” he urged his followers, ending the post with the Yoruba greeting “Ekule o” — an expression typically used to welcome someone home, laced here with bitter irony.

The actor’s ordeal is yet another example of the challenges many Lagos residents face daily — a mix of poor road safety, traffic congestion, and insecurity. His public statement not only sheds light on his personal experience but echoes the concerns of many who navigate the bustling, unpredictable terrain of Nigeria’s commercial capital.

As Johnson continues to recover from the shock, his story serves as a sobering reminder that fame does not shield one from the harsh realities of urban insecurity. Yet, his resolve remains strong, and his voice adds to the growing call for improved safety measures across Lagos and beyond.