“Owambe Thieves” Subtly Ridicules Nigerian Money Spraying Culture

No social ritual makes a person truly Nigerian than Owambes—those vibrant, over-the-top parties. Put another way, the surest way to lure a Nigerian is to send an Owambe invite his way. That’s the exact strategy filmmaker Adeoluwa Owu employs in his latest comedy-drama, “Owambe Thieves,” inviting audiences into a lively world of glitz, greed, and giggles.

It’s easy to think of the “thieves” in the movie’s title if you’ve not read the synopsis of the movie– as some low-level pick-pocketing. But holy cow, our protagonists in “Owambe Theives” have their eyes and hands on something bigger: bags brimming with cash…including hard currency.

Lola (Eniola Ajao) and Cheetah (Zubby Michael) are the typical financially struggling Nigerian couple brainstorming how to grant their infant son a suitable life. As the pressure mounts—especially from Lola’s disapproving family—the ridicule becomes unbearable, and the couple reaches a breaking point. Their solution? A clever, non-violent heist at Lola’s sister’s wedding to a senator. The target? a bag laden with U.S dollars—“it’s government money after all,” they say “we are not robbing anyone.”

For the sake of the plot, you can bet the heist went well and their lives take an instant turn rightwards. But you’ll be fooled into thinking it’s a one-time gig; the couple takes it as a full-time job when opportunities arise, despite living a comfortable life based on earlier stolen wealth. And on they go, one party after another, preying on unsuspecting money sprayers and packers. Sometimes they plan ahead like pros with crime film-worthy blueprints; other times, they rely on audacity and quick thinking.

Surely enough, their waterloo comes…almost. For some reason, “Owambe Theives” thought it was best to stop in the middle of the third act and call it a day. It would be the same as “Black Panther” rolling the end credits right when T’Challa and Killmonger begin fighting, or the screen suddenly turning blank when Captain America says “Avengers Assemble” in “Avengers: Endgaeme.” That’s not how cliffhangers are done, nor how sequels are teased.

If you can overlook that, and the failure to recognize the Nigerian reality of money bouncers—security hired with the sole purpose of guarding such money—then “Owambe Thieves” should be a ride in the fun park.

Brilliant acting, spearheaded by Sola Sobowale and Zubby Michael and supported by Denrele Edun, Odunola Adekola, Fathia Balogun, and even Femi branch (who mimics the quintessential Igbo sugar daddy), plus relatable humor equals solid comedy. Adeoluwa Owu’s touch from “A Tribe Called Judah” and “Jagun Jagun” is written all over this movie. The cinematography pops, wardrobe is extravagant—it’s an Owambe after all, style matters—and the soundtrack is pure gold. Whoever selected the trio of “Criminal,” “Pick and Go,” and “Owambe Thieves” (by Tolu Obanro) clearly understands how music elevates comedy.

“Owambe Thieves” subtly ridicules the money-spraying culture Nigerians have imbued for generations. Why spray money lavishly at a wedding when others need it more? Or worse, borrowing for a wedding and banking on sprayed money as debt repayment? If there are any lessons the movie wants us to learn, it’s these:

1. Don’t be greedy, even as a thief.
2. Rethink your guest list four your next owambe and
3. Don’t spray money at all. Give it to someone who actually needs it.

Release Date: April 18, 2025

Streaming Service: None, Cinematic Release

Runtime: 1 hour and 40 minutes

Directed By: Adeoluwa Owu

Cast: Zubby Michael, Eniola Ajao, Sola Sobowale, Wunmi Toriola, Odunola Adekola, Ronke Oshodi Oke, Fathia Balogun, Denrele Edun, Muyiwa Ademola, and Femi Branch.