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Veteran Nigerian comedian, Atunyota Akpobome, popularly known as Ali Baba, has been evicted from his Victoria Island property in Lagos State, following a ruling of the Federal High Court.
Ali Baba and his company, XQZMOI TV, were evicted after a writ of possession signed on August 15, 2025, was executed. The property, which had been at the center of a prolonged legal battle, was originally sold to him in 2021 by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) for ₦220 million.
According to AMCON, the property was disposed of as part of efforts to recover debts allegedly owed by Harold Expansion Industries Nigeria Limited. However, in a ruling delivered on July 31, 2025, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa dismissed AMCON’s claims, faulting the corporation for failing to provide concrete evidence of the alleged indebtedness. The court subsequently ordered that the property be returned to its original owner.
In addition to overturning AMCON’s transaction with Ali Baba, the judge also awarded damages of ₦500 million against the corporation, citing the unlawful dispossession of the original property owner.
DAILY POST gathered that Ali Baba’s liability in the matter stemmed from the timing of his purchase. The comedian, who had been a tenant of the original owner before AMCON’s intervention, reportedly went ahead with the purchase despite an existing preservation order, which restrained any sale or transfer of the property pending the resolution of the court case.
The eviction marks a significant setback for the comedy legend, who is widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s pioneering stand-up comedians. Over the years, Ali Baba has played a central role in shaping the entertainment industry, mentoring younger talents and using his platform to speak on political, social, and economic issues in the country.
This latest development comes on the heels of several high-profile statements Ali Baba has made recently, including his revelation on the cost of running for political office in Nigeria and his reflections on how comedy has influenced national conversations.
While the ruling does not directly question Ali Baba’s integrity, it underscores the risks associated with acquiring assets embroiled in unresolved litigation. Legal experts note that the case highlights the importance of due diligence, especially when purchasing properties from government agencies such as AMCON.
Neither Ali Baba nor his management team has issued a public statement regarding the eviction at the time of this report. Meanwhile, the court’s decision has sparked mixed reactions among industry watchers, with some sympathizing with the comedian while others view it as a cautionary tale about navigating property transactions in Nigeria’s complex real estate and legal landscape.
As it stands, Ali Baba’s future plans concerning his business operations remain uncertain, though his influence in the entertainment industry is unlikely to diminish despite this legal setback.
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