Nigerian Comedian Ali Baba Recounts a ‘Near-Death Experience’ with Sani Abacha

Nigerian comedian Ali Baba, often dubbed the pioneer of stand-up comedy in Nigeria, recently shared a tense and humorous story about a close encounter with former military ruler Sani Abacha. The incident, which he describes as a “near-death experience,” took place during a performance in Abuja, highlighting the dangers of humor under an authoritarian regime.

The Setting: A Comedy Routine Amidst a Tense Political Climate

Ali Baba was set to introduce the Akwa Ibom cultural group during an event in Abuja. This event occurred shortly after the removal of Chief Ernest Shonekan by Sani Abacha, a leader known for his strict and heavy-handed rule. Under Abacha’s military regime (1993–1998), Nigeria was marked by political suppression, limited freedoms, and a stern approach to dissent. In this climate, humor—especially directed at the authorities—was a risky business.

A Bold Joke That Could Have Gone Wrong

During the performance, Ali Baba took a daring step that could have had serious consequences. He noticed that General Abacha, who was present at the event, was wearing sunglasses, even though it was late in the evening. In a bold and unexpected move, Ali Baba stopped the performance and addressed Abacha directly, saying, “Your Excellency, sir, it’s almost 10; why are you wearing dark shades? Don’t you want to see their performance? Remove this shade na.”

To everyone’s surprise, Abacha complied, removing the sunglasses while laughing and engaging in light-hearted banter with Ali Baba. However, the atmosphere remained tense as Ali Baba noticed DSS operatives, Nigeria’s security service, heading backstage. Sensing danger, the comedian made a quick decision.

A Clever Move to Avoid Arrest

Rather than retreating backstage where the security personnel were headed, Ali Baba made his way off the stage and sat down right next to Abacha. It was a calculated move, showcasing his quick wit and survival instinct. He later recalled the exchange with Abacha, who joked with him, asking why he chose to sit beside him instead of heading backstage. Ali Baba responded with a humorous but insightful remark, “Don’t worry, sir, they can come and arrest me here.”

This choice to stay by Abacha’s side likely saved him from being detained, highlighting the power of quick thinking in a tense situation. The unexpected twist to the story came when Abacha, perhaps charmed by the comedian’s audacity, gifted him the sunglasses he had removed earlier.

Reflections on Comedy Under an Authoritarian Regime

Ali Baba’s encounter with Sani Abacha is more than just an entertaining story; it reflects the challenging relationship between comedy and political power in Nigeria. During times of strict political rule, satire and humor have served both as forms of resistance and as potential triggers for backlash. Ali Baba’s story exemplifies the fine line that comedians often walk—balancing humor with caution, especially when addressing the ruling elite.

By sharing his experience, Ali Baba has shed light on the complex dynamics of performing during a time when humor could easily be misinterpreted as defiance. His story is a testament to the courage of comedians who push boundaries and to the enduring influence of comedy as a cultural force in Nigeria.

For more insight into Ali Baba’s journey and other stories from his career, you can watch his full interview on the Leadership Podcast. This episode offers a glimpse into the world of Nigerian comedy and the challenges faced by performers who have used humor to comment on society, even under difficult circumstances.

The Legacy of Ali Baba: A Pioneer in Nigerian Comedy

Ali Baba’s courage to challenge authority, even subtly, has solidified his legacy in Nigerian comedy. He is known not just for making people laugh but for setting the stage for future comedians in Nigeria who can use their platform to critique, entertain, and educate. The story of his ‘near-death experience’ with Abacha remains a highlight of his career, illustrating the risks and rewards of comedy in a politically charged environment.