Veteran Nigerian comedian, Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, popularly known as Ali Baba, has been evicted from his high-profile property in Victoria Island, Lagos, following a Federal High Court ruling that nullified his ownership.
Ali Baba, who is widely regarded as the godfather of Nigerian comedy, was evicted alongside his company, XQZMOI TV, after a writ of possession was issued on August 15, 2025, by the Federal High Court in Lagos.
The property in question was initially sold to Ali Baba in 2021 for ₦220 million by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).
According to AMCON, the property had been forfeited as part of efforts to recover debts allegedly owed by Harold Expansion Industries Nigeria Limited.
However, controversy trailed the transaction as the previous owner contested AMCON’s right to sell, insisting the case was still before the court.
Despite an existing preservation order, Ali Baba went ahead with the purchase while still occupying the building as a tenant.
On July 31, 2025, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court dismissed AMCON’s claims after the corporation failed to provide sufficient evidence of the alleged debt.
The court not only ordered the return of the property to its original owner but also awarded ₦500 million in damages against AMCON for wrongful possession and sale.
As a result of the ruling, Ali Baba lost both the property and the financial investment made in acquiring it.
His eviction was carried out in compliance with the court’s directive, bringing an end to a four-year-long legal battle.
While Ali Baba was not directly accused of wrongdoing, his liability arose from the timing of his purchase.
Legal experts say that by acquiring the property during a pending court case, he took on the risks associated with the dispute.
A Lagos-based property lawyer explained:
“Ali Baba’s case is a classic example of the dangers of buying properties that are subject to litigation.
Regardless of AMCON’s assurances, the law does not protect a buyer when there is an active preservation order.”
The ruling has sparked wider conversations within Nigeria’s real estate and legal communities.
Analysts warn that the case highlights growing risks in property transactions involving AMCON, especially given past controversies where assets were resold without clarity on ownership.
The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) has previously raised concerns about AMCON’s practices, calling for greater transparency in the disposal of seized assets to avoid cases like this.
For prospective buyers, the case serves as a cautionary tale, emphasizing the importance of due diligence, verification of title documents, and court clearance before acquiring high-value properties.
Despite the setback, Ali Baba remains a towering figure in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
With a career spanning over three decades, he is credited with shaping modern stand-up comedy in Nigeria and mentoring a new generation of comedians.
The comedian has also built a reputation as a social commentator, philanthropist, and businessman.
He has previously shared candid insights into the political and social costs of fame, and this recent eviction adds another chapter to his eventful public life.
Fans and colleagues in the entertainment industry have expressed sympathy, describing the situation as a “painful blow” to someone who has contributed immensely to the growth of Nigerian comedy.
It remains unclear whether Ali Baba plans to challenge the eviction or seek compensation from AMCON for selling him a contested property.
Legal experts say he may have grounds to pursue damages against the corporation since the court confirmed AMCON’s failure in its claims.
Meanwhile, the case is expected to influence how entertainers and public figures invest in real estate, as many often acquire high-value properties through AMCON auctions.
The eviction of Ali Baba from his Victoria Island property underscores the growing complexities of Nigeria’s property market, particularly in transactions involving seized assets.
While the comedian continues to enjoy a revered status in entertainment, his legal battle with AMCON serves as a stern warning to buyers about the dangers of overlooking litigation risks.
As the dust settles, Nigerians will be watching closely to see whether Ali Baba seeks further redress, and how the case shapes future AMCON asset sales.
