Nigerian comedian Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, popularly known as Ali Baba, has been evicted from a luxury property in Victoria Island, Lagos, following a Federal High Court ruling that reversed the property’s sale by the Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON). [1]

Background of the Dispute

The property in question, located at 324A Akin Ogunlewe Street, was originally owned by Harold Expansion Industries Nigeria Limited. AMCON claimed that Harold Expansion Industries was indebted to the defunct Bank PHB (now Keystone Bank) to the tune of ₦617 million. To recover part of this alleged debt, AMCON sold the property to Ali Baba in 2021 for ₦220 million. [1]

However, Harold Expansion Industries contested the debt, asserting that the ₦129 million facility had been restructured in 2009 and that repayments had been made since the initial loan in January 2008. The company filed a counterclaim, seeking a declaration that it was not indebted, the reversal of AMCON’s sale, possession of the property, and ₦500 million in damages. [2]

Court’s Decision On July 31, 2025, Justice Ambrose Lewis-Allagoa of the Federal High Court in Lagos ruled in favor of Harold Expansion Industries. The court dismissed AMCON’s claims, citing the corporation’s failure to provide critical evidence, such as the defendant’s statement of account. Justice Lewis-Allagoa emphasized that AMCON did not exhibit the defendant’s statement of account, a crucial piece of evidence for a creditor claiming a debt. [1]

The court ordered the reversal of the property’s sale and awarded ₦500 million in damages against AMCON. Subsequently, on August 15, 2025, a writ of possession was issued, leading to the eviction of Ali Baba and his company, XQZMOI TV, from the premises. [1]

Impact on Ali Baba

Ali Baba, who was reportedly a tenant of the property’s original owner before purchasing it, had established his company’s studios on the premises. The eviction has raised questions about the due diligence conducted during the property’s acquisition, especially considering that the sale occurred while litigation was still pending in court. [1]

As of now, Ali Baba has not publicly commented on the eviction. The situation underscores the importance of thorough legal scrutiny when acquiring properties involved in ongoing legal disputes.