Nigerian comedian Ali Baba, whose real name is Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, recently recounted a harrowing experience with the late General Sani Abacha, Nigeria’s former military leader.
During an appearance on the Leadership Podcast, the 59-year-old comedian shared a hair-raising encounter he had with Abacha during a cultural event in Abuja.
At the event, Ali Baba was tasked with introducing an Akwa Ibom cultural group for a performance. He noticed that Abacha, who was known for his dark Rayban sunglasses, was wearing them while the group was about to perform.
In a bold move, Ali Baba directly addressed Abacha, asking him to remove his sunglasses so he could fully appreciate the performance.
To Ali Baba’s surprise, Abacha complied, but the tension in the room escalated as he saw State Security Service (SSS) officers moving backstage.
Feeling a growing anxiety, the comedian chose to sit beside Abacha on the ground, despite the potential risks involved.
Abacha, who ruled Nigeria with an iron fist from 1993 until his death in 1998, was known for his oppressive regime and human rights abuses, including imprisoning, torturing, and killing opposition figures.
