Ali Baba Recounts Near-Death Experience Over Abacha Joke
Lagos, Nigeria – October 25, 2024: Veteran Nigerian comedian Ali Baba has shared a chilling experience where a joke about former military leader General Sani Abacha nearly cost him his life.
During an appearance on Leadership Podcast, Ali Baba recalled performing at an event in Abuja during Abacha’s regime. He made a joke about Abacha’s dark sunglasses, saying, “Your Excellency, sir, it’s almost 10 pm, why are you wearing dark shades? Remove this shade nah or don’t you want to see their performance?”
Abacha removed his glasses and spoke to his aide, prompting DSS officers to await Ali Baba backstage. To avoid arrest, Ali Baba sat next to Abacha, who eventually laughed off the incident.
Abacha’s regime, from 1993 to 1998, was notorious for human rights abuses.
