Entertainment
Ali Baba: “I Almost Got Killed Because Of My Joke About General Abacha”
Veteran Nigerian comedian Ali Baba recently shared a harrowing experience from the 1990s during a guest appearance on the Leadership Podcast, detailing how a seemingly innocuous joke almost cost him his life under the authoritarian rule of General Sani Abacha.
Reflecting on a tense moment at an event in Abuja, Ali Baba recalled addressing then-President Abacha while hosting a performance by the Akwa Ibom cultural group. With a touch of humor, he remarked to Abacha, “Your Excellency, sir, it’s almost 10 pm. Why are you wearing dark shades? Remove this shade, nah, or don’t you want to see their performance?” This direct confrontation sparked an immediate reaction, as Abacha removed his sunglasses and whispered to an aide.
As security personnel began to accumulate backstage, Ali Baba realized the gravity of the situation. In a swift decision to protect himself, he moved closer to Abacha. In a surprising turn of events, the general attempted to ease the tension with humor, to which Ali Baba playfully responded, “Don’t worry, sir, let them arrest me here.” This lighthearted exchange managed to elicit a rare smile from the notoriously strict leader.
Abacha’s reign from 1993 until his death in 1998 was characterized by significant political repression, where dissent was met with severe consequences, including imprisonment and torture. Ali Baba’s anecdote serves as a poignant reminder of the fine line between humor and peril during one of Nigeria’s most tumultuous political eras.
The Nigerian film industry is in mourning following the death of Kayode Peters, a renowned filmmaker and producer. The news was announced by his family on his official Instagram page, stating that he passed away peacefully on the morning of Saturday, June 28, 2025, in Toronto, Canada, after a long illness.
Peters, fondly known as KP, was celebrated for his contributions as a filmmaker, actor, and producer. He was known for his role as Koko in the popular sitcoms “Twilight Zone” and “Flatmates” in the early 2000s. His work also extended to stage plays and sitcoms like “Extended Family” and “Being Farouk,” significantly impacting Nigeria’s contemporary theatre and television landscape.
He is survived by his wife, Alexander, and their children. Funeral arrangements are underway, and further details will be shared by the family in due course. The industry and fans alike will deeply miss his warmth, generosity, and contributions to Nollywood.
Popular Nigerian skit maker, Carter Efe, has reportedly lost access to his Instagram and TikTok accounts. This development follows recent criticism leveled against Afrobeat artist Wizkid during a TikTok live stream.
Efe’s comments, in which he accused Wizkid of pride, triggered a backlash from Wizkid’s fanbase, known as Wizkid FC. Subsequently, Efe claimed on X (formerly Twitter) that his Instagram account, boasting 1.8 million followers, was taken down by Wizkid FC. He later released an apology video stating that his TikTok account had also been blocked.
Efe has appealed to Wizkid and Wizkid FC for forgiveness and the restoration of his accounts.
Gabriel Oche Amanyi, known as Terry G, has asserted his significant contribution to the Nigerian music landscape. The “Akpoko Master,” pioneer of the “Street-hop” movement in the 2010s, stated that his influence is undeniable when discussing cultural impact within the Nigerian music industry.
His comments, made via social media on Wednesday, arrive amidst ongoing discussions regarding impact and legacies, spurred by the recent exchange between Odumodublvck and Blaqbonez.
In his statement on X, Terry G declared, “You can’t talk about cultural impact in Nigeria without talking about Terry G. I am the culture!” This pronouncement underscores his belief in his lasting effect on the evolution of Nigerian music.
Federal Government Declares State of Emergency on Suleja-Minna Road.
Nollywood Mourns the Loss of Kayode Peters.
