I Thought That Joke Would Be My Last — Ali Baba Recalls a Chilling Encounter with Abacha

One joke. “That’s all it took for me to think I wouldn’t leave that stage alive.”

Veteran comedian Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, famously known as Ali Baba, has performed for presidents, royalty, and some of the most powerful people in the world. But in a rare, emotional reflection, he shared the moment his courage nearly cost him everything—when he made a joke in front of General Sani Abacha, one of Nigeria’s most feared military rulers.

A Performance Like No Other

It happened in the mid-1990s at a prestigious cultural event in Abuja. Ali Baba had been invited to perform, and the audience included top military officials—and Abacha himself.

“The room was heavy,” Ali Baba recalled. “Nobody dared speak too freely. You could feel the tension.”

The Joke That Shook the Hall

While introducing a traditional dance troupe from Akwa Ibom, Ali Baba spotted Abacha sitting stiffly in the front row, wearing his signature black sunglasses.

Without thinking, the words left his mouth:

“Sir, why are you wearing dark glasses? Won’t you watch the dancers?”

The silence that followed was deafening. Gasps filled the hall. The kind of moment where time stands still.

“I was sweating bullets. My legs wanted to run,” he said.

Then, slowly—Abacha removed his glasses.

A Close Call

From the corner of his eye, Ali Baba saw DSS agents shift behind the curtains. He could tell they were watching closely. One wrong move, and it could’ve been the end.

“I just kept smiling, even though my heart was pounding. I genuinely thought I was done.”

But instead of anger, something unexpected happened: Abacha laughed. A deep, hearty laugh that eased the room and gave Ali Baba the greenlight to continue.

“You Made Me Laugh—That’s Why You’re Still Standing”

After the show, Abacha leaned toward him and said:

“You were scared, weren’t you? But you made me laugh. That’s why you’re still standing.”

It was a moment that would define Ali Baba’s career—and his understanding of comedy’s true power.

More Than Just Laughter

“That night taught me that comedy isn’t just about fun. It’s a force,” he said. “It can disarm even the hardest hearts, challenge authority, and open doors that fear keeps shut.”

Now at 60, Ali Baba mentors the next generation of Nigerian comedians. He often shares this story—not just to impress, but to teach.

“Comedy is a weapon. Know when to use it. Respect it. And always remember—it can carry consequences.”

Have you ever risked speaking your truth in a moment of fear or power? What happened? Did it change you? Share below—we grow stronger through shared courage.