Bimbo Akintola As Mo Ogunlesi In To Kill A Monkey
🎬
A Fierce Force on the Hunt
In Kemi Adetiba’s Netflix‑premiered (July 18, 2025) cyber‑noir thriller To Kill a Monkey, Bimbo Akintola steps into the role of Mo Ogunlesi, a grief‑driven officer at Nigeria’s Cybercrime Commission determined to bring down a notorious fraud syndicate known as "the Monkey" network (Nigerian Entertainment Today).
Her character is haunted by personal tragedy—the loss of her family—fueling an obsessive dedication to justice that becomes a riveting emotional anchor in the series (Nigerian Entertainment Today). This complexity positions Mo Ogunlesi as both moral compass and tragic hero in the face of digital crime.
Opposite the Antihero
As the series’ main antagonist, Efemini (William Benson) is seduced into cybercrime by his charismatic friend Oboz (Bucci Franklin), who leads the fraudulent syndicate (Streamdorm, Nigerian Entertainment Today). Bimbo Akintola’s Mo is the inevitable foil—a relentless pursuer whose unwavering integrity forces Efemini into increasingly fraught moral choices.
Their dynamic is electric. Reviewers cite the emotional intensity of Mo’s interviews and confrontations as some of the show’s most compelling moments (Streamdorm, SoapCentral).
A Performance That Resonates
Critics and audiences alike have praised Bimbo Akintola’s portrayal as one of her finest performances yet. Mo Ogunlesi embodies grief, justice, frustration, and perseverance with surgical precision (TVmaze). According to Pulse Nigeria:
“The way she embodies grief, obsession, and professional frustration; immaculate.” (Pulse Nigeria)
The role offers emotional depth and narrative weight, making her character a standout in an already powerful ensemble cast (Nigerian Entertainment Today).
🧠Character Spotlight Table
| Element | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Character Name | Mo Ogunlesi |
| Role | Cybercrime Commission officer hunting the “Monkey” syndicate |
| Motivation | Personal loss drives rigid commitment to justice |
| Dynamic | Convicts vs. law—constant moral and emotional tension with Efe |
| Performance Notes | Emotionally rich, commanding; anchors the series with integrity |
🎥 Why It Matters for Bimbo Akintola’s Career
Bimbo Akintola, a theatre‑trained actress from the University of Ibadan, has long been a Nollywood veteran since her 1995 debut in Owo Blow (Nigerian Entertainment Today, Streamdorm, Wikipedia). With this Netflix title, her presence lands international spotlight once more. To Kill a Monkey is broadcast globally, firmly planting her performance in Sam‑Worthy narratives beyond traditional Nollywood boundaries (Wikipedia).
This role cements her legacy alongside returning cast members like Stella Damasus, Ireti Doyle, and Chidi Mokeme—and introduces her to new audiences via high‑quality streaming content (TELL Magazine).
🧾 Final Reflection
Bimbo Akintola’s portrayal of Mo Ogunlesi in To Kill a Monkey is a career‑defining moment. She delivers a powerful, emotionally charged performance that balances trauma with tenacity. In a series lauded for its gritty cinematography, sharp writing, and fierce ensemble, she emerges as both soul and sharpened edge. Whether you're drawn to nuanced character arcs or intense crime drama, her role is at the moral core of this unforgettable narrative.