By SCM Reporter I Saturday, August 29, 2026
LEKKI, LAGOS — Tragedy struck the heart of Lagos’ entertainment district on Friday night, August 28, 2026, when a violent attack at the popular Filmhouse IMAX Cinemas in Lekki left two people dead and sparked mass panic among moviegoers.
The incident unfolded when a man armed with a machete and a knife attempted to force his way into the cinema complex.
According to eyewitnesses, the assailant—who appeared to be under the influence of illicit substances—became aggressive after security personnel denied him entry to the venue. The situation escalated rapidly into violence when the suspect drew his weapons.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed that the assailant stabbed one security guard to death during the altercation and severely injured another guard. In the chaos that followed, enraged bystanders and an angry mob confronted the suspect.
He was subsequently beaten and pronounced dead at the scene.
Spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, SP Adebisi Abimbola, confirmed the fatalities and stated that a full-scale investigation is underway.
”Two people have been confirmed dead,” SP Abimbola stated. “The identity of the assailant, his exact background, and the sequence of events leading to his death are currently under investigation. We have taken the Chief Security Officer (CSO) of the cinema into custody for questioning and are retrieving CCTV footage to establish the full timeline of the attack.”
The IMAX Cinemas facility in Lekki Phase 1 is a premier landmark in Lagos’ nightlife and film culture, frequently hosting high-profile Nollywood red-carpet premieres, blockbusters, and celebrity events. Friday nights typically see heavy foot traffic from moviegoers, youth, and families.
This attack highlights growing concerns over security protocols at major entertainment hubs across the metropolis. Cinema management teams across Lagos are facing mounting pressure to upgrade perimeter security, implement metal detection checks at gates, and strengthen crowd control measures to prevent armed individuals from threatening public safety.
Operations at the IMAX Lekki complex remain temporarily restricted while law enforcement processes the crime scene and analyzes surveillance video.
