Comedy thrives on unexpected twists, but for Atunyota Akpobome, popularly known as Ali Baba, the punchline this time landed in a courtroom, not on stage.
In a shocking verdict that has reverberated through Nigeria’s entertainment and legal circles, the Federal High Court in Lagos has ordered the veteran comedian’s company, XQZMOI TV, to vacate a luxury Victoria Island property it purchased from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).
What was meant to be a prime real estate deal in 2021 has turned into a legal nightmare. Bailiffs moved in, eviction notices were served, and the once-proud mansion now stands as a cautionary tale of how even Nigeria’s most beloved celebrities are not immune to the complexities and controversies of the country’s property market.
The Disputed Sale
The property at 324A Akin Ogunlewe Street, Victoria Island, was sold to Ali Baba’s firm for ₦220 million by AMCON in 2021. At the time, it appeared to be a smart business move: a spacious duplex in one of Lagos’ most sought-after neighborhoods, secured through a government agency tasked with managing distressed assets.
But what Baba did not know was, beneath the glossy paperwork, a storm was brewing. The mansion was already under litigation. The original owner, late businessman Harold Olufemi Demuren, had left the property to his company, Harold Expansion Industries, which was contesting AMCON’s authority to sell. The sale, critics now argue, was rushed, improperly executed, and carried out in defiance of ongoing legal proceedings.
The Court’s Verdict
Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa did not mince words. In a July 2025 ruling, the judge declared that AMCON’s sale of the property to Ali Baba’s company was illegal, null, and void. The court ordered:
* The reversal of the sale and return of the mansion to Harold Expansion Industries.
* Immediate eviction of Ali Baba’s company from the property.
* Payment of ₦500 million in damages to the late Demuren’s estate.
In short: the comedian’s dream property had been yanked away, and the transaction that secured it was branded a violation of due process.
What This Means For Ali Baba
For Ali Baba, widely regarded as the “godfather of Nigerian comedy,” this is more than just a legal setback. It strikes at his personal brand, which has long been tied to themes of intelligence, wit, and business acumen.
* Financial Blow: A ₦220 million purchase gone sour, plus the reputational risk of being seen as caught up in an “illegal” transaction.
* Career Image: Fans and critics alike are debating whether Ali Baba was a victim of systemic rot or simply too careless with due diligence.
* Legacy Questioned: For a man who helped pioneer Nigerian stand-up comedy, this property drama adds an uncomfortable footnote to his career narrative.
AMCON Under Fire
The real target of outrage, however, is AMCON. The agency has long been accused of questionable practices in disposing of seized assets. This case reinforces public suspicion that AMCON’s operations often skirt transparency.
* Due Process Ignored: Selling a property under litigation raises red flags about competence—or collusion.
* Trust Deficit: If celebrities with resources and legal teams can be blindsided, what chance does the average Nigerian have when dealing with government agencies?
* Broader Implications: This ruling sets a precedent, emboldening others whose assets may have been hastily auctioned off.
Lagos Property Market In Spotlight
This case also shines a harsh light on Lagos’ volatile real estate sector:
* Disputes are common: Many high-value properties are tied up in overlapping claims.
* Celebrities and elites aren’t immune: Wealth and fame do not guarantee safety from shady deals.
* Judiciary’s role: The ruling, though delayed, shows that the courts can still serve as a check against institutional overreach.
Why This Case Matters
At face value, the eviction of a comedian might seem like mere gossip fodder. But peel back the layers, and it reveals the dangerous intersections of power, property, and governance in Nigeria.
This isn’t just Ali Baba’s loss—it’s a national conversation about:
* Who truly owns what in Nigeria’s most expensive city.
* Whether government agencies can be trusted with distressed assets.
* How fragile property rights can be, even for the wealthy and famous.
Real Life Illusion
Ali Baba’s eviction is more than the downfall of a celebrity deal gone wrong. It is a mirror held up to Nigeria’s chaotic real estate system and the opacity of institutions like AMCON.
For Ali Baba, it’s a painful lesson in due diligence. For Nigeria, it’s a reminder that until transparency becomes the norm, anyone, from the struggling tenant to the star comedian, can find themselves on the wrong side of a locked gate.
