Veteran comedian, Ali Baba (Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome), has been evicted from his high-end residence following a Federal High Court ruling that voided the sale of the property he purchased from the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON).
A Knock at the Door Turns Final
On August 15, 2025, court bailiffs executed a writ of possession that forced Ali Baba and his media company, XQZMOI TV, out of the property at 324A Akin Ogunlewe Street, Victoria Island. The eviction followed weeks after a July 31 judgment by Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, which dealt a major blow to AMCON’s handling of distressed assets.
Why the Court Stepped In
The court declared that AMCON’s sale of the mansion to Ali Baba for ₦220 million in 2021 was unlawful. Justice Lewis-Allagoa ruled that AMCON presented insufficient evidence—lacking key documents such as a formal statement of account—and notably failed to contest a counterclaim filed by Harold Expansion Industries Nigeria Limited, the original property owner’s company.
The decision didn’t just void the sale: the court ordered that the mansion be returned to the family of the original owner and slammed AMCON with ₦500 million in damages.
Ali Baba’s Predicament
Ali Baba’s trouble stemmed from buying the mansion while ownership litigation was still ongoing. Legal experts note that the comedian had previously lived in the house as a tenant before AMCON repossessed it and resold it—despite an existing preservation order barring such transactions. By purchasing under those conditions, the entertainer unwittingly walked into a legal minefield.
Bigger Implications
The eviction underscores the dangers facing buyers of distressed or court-tied properties in Nigeria. Analysts say the ruling highlights systemic flaws in AMCON’s asset recovery process, warning that even high-profile investors are not immune when due diligence collides with unresolved legal disputes.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Aspect | Detail |
|---|---|
| Eviction Date | August 15, 2025 |
| Judge & Ruling | Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa, July 31, 2025 |
| Property Sale Price | ₦220 million (purchased from AMCON in 2021) |
| Court Findings | AMCON lacked evidence of debt; failed to oppose counterclaim |
| Outcome | Property returned to original owner’s family; ₦500 million damages awarded |
| Affected Party | Ali Baba and his company XQZMOI TV evicted |
