Nigerian Comedian Shares Chilling Encounter with Former Military Leader General Sani Abacha
Veteran Nigerian comedian, Ali Baba, has recounted a harrowing experience that almost cost him his life during the regime of former military leader General Sani Abacha. The 59-year-old comedian reflected on the incident during his appearance on Leadership Podcast.
Ali Baba’s chilling encounter took place when he was invited to anchor an event in Abuja. As the Akwa Ibom cultural group took the stage to perform, Ali Baba couldn’t help but notice that General Abacha was still wearing dark sunglasses at 10 pm. In his characteristic bold style, Ali Baba stopped the dance performance and addressed the former military leader directly.
“Your Excellency, sir, it’s almost 10 pm. Why are you wearing dark shades? Remove these shades, or don’t you want to see their performance?” Ali Baba asked. General Abacha, known for his strict and intimidating demeanor, surprisingly removed his sunglasses and engaged in conversation with his aide.
However, what followed was a tense and potentially life-threatening situation. Ali Baba noticed that DSS officers had started heading backstage, presumably to apprehend him. Unfazed, the comedian took a bold step by sitting down next to General Abacha on the ground, refusing to go backstage.
In a surprising turn of events, General Abacha, instead of ordering Ali Baba’s arrest, decided to make light of the situation. He joked about Ali Baba’s actions and questioned why he refused to go backstage. Ali Baba, still seated next to the former military leader, responded, “Don’t worry, sir, let them arrest me here.”
General Abacha’s response was a smile, which, in that moment, could have been interpreted as either a sign of amusement or a subtle warning. Regardless, Ali Baba’s bold joke had potentially saved his life.
General Sani Abacha’s regime, which lasted from 1993 to 1998, was marred by widespread human rights abuses, with opposition figures often facing imprisonment, torture, or even death. Ali Baba’s encounter serves as a chilling reminder of the risks faced by those who dared to speak out or challenge the powers that be during that period.
Despite the danger, Ali Baba’s bravery and quick thinking may have saved him from a potentially disastrous outcome. His recollection of that fateful night serves as a testament to the enduring power of courage and humor in the face of adversity.
