A Nigerian court has ordered the eviction of renowned comedian Ali Baba from a property in Victoria Island, Lagos State, a decision that also affects his company XQZMOI TV. The eviction follows a writ of possession issued by the Federal High Court on 15 August 2025.
The property was sold to Ali Baba for N220 million in 2021 by the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON), a government agency tasked with recovering debts on behalf of the federal government. AMCON claimed that the original owner, Harold Expansion Industries Nigeria Limited, owed debts, prompting the sale. However, a court ruling on 31 July 2025 dismissed AMCON’s case due to a lack of evidence supporting the alleged debt. Justice Ambrose Lewis‑Allagoa ordered the property to be returned to its original owner and imposed a N500 million fine on AMCON for damages.
Ali Baba’s involvement stems from his purchase of the property while the case was still pending in court, despite an existing preservation order. Prior to buying the property, he was a tenant of the original owner, who had been evicted by AMCON. The timing of the purchase has made the comedian liable in the current dispute.
The eviction of Ali Baba and his company marks the latest development in a protracted legal battle, underscoring the complexities and challenges of property transactions in Nigeria, especially when government agencies are involved. The court’s decision highlights the importance of due process and the rule of law in such transactions, and it remains to be seen how the affected parties will respond and what steps will be taken next.
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