A Nigerian court has ordered the eviction of renowned comedian Ali Baba from a property in Victoria Island, Lagos state. The eviction, which also affects his company XQZMOI TV, follows a writ of possession issued by the Federal High Court on August 15, 2025.
The property in question was initially 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 had claimed that the property’s original owner, Harold Expansion Industries Nigeria Limited, owed debts, prompting the sale. However, a court ruling on July 31, 2025, dismissed AMCON’s case due to a lack of evidence supporting the alleged debt.
Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa’s ruling ordered the property to be returned to its original owner and imposed a N500 million fine on AMCON for damages. The court’s decision has significant implications, as it highlights the importance of due process and the rule of law in property transactions.
Ali Baba’s involvement in the case 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, Ali Baba was a tenant of the original owner, who had been evicted by AMCON. The timing of the purchase has led to the comedian’s current liability in the matter.
The eviction of Ali Baba and his company marks the latest development in a protracted legal dispute. The case underscores the complexities and challenges associated with property transactions in Nigeria, particularly when government agencies are involved. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the parties affected will respond to the court’s ruling and what steps will be taken next.
