Two persons have been confirmed dead following a violent attack by a machete- and knife-wielding man at the Filmhouse IMAX Cinema in Lekki, Lagos State, on Friday night, August 29, 2026.
According to eyewitnesses, the assailant—who appeared to be under the influence of drugs—attempted to force his way into the main cinema building before being intercepted at the entrance by security personnel.
Stabbing leads to mob retaliation
Confirming the incident, the spokesperson for the Lagos State Police Command, SP Adebisi Abimbola, disclosed that the assailant, described as appearing destitute, violently attacked the security detail after being denied entry. He stabbed one security guard to death and severely injured a second guard.
The violent assault triggered an immediate response from bystanders and people in the vicinity, who mobbed the attacker, resulting in his death at the scene.
Police launch investigation and detain CSO
Police authorities have opened a full investigation to establish the circumstances leading to the breach and subsequent mob action.
SP Abimbola confirmed that the cinema’s Chief Security Officer (CSO) has been taken into police custody for questioning.
Detectives are currently retrieving and reviewing CCTV footage from the cinema premises to reconstruct the timeline of events and identify all individuals involved in the fatal incident.
