Ali Baba narrates near-death experience over joke about General Abacha

Veteran Nigerian comedian, Ali Baba, has narrated how he almost lost his life over a joke about the former military leader, General Sani Abacha.

According to the entertainer, the tense event happened at Abuja, where he went to anchor an event the late general attended.

The comedian said a joke he made about the dictator’s sunglasses was what almost cost him his life.

Ali Baba said, “The first close encounter I had with death was when General Sani Abacha was the President.

“So, I went to anchor an event in Abuja. So when it was time for the Akwa Ibom cultural group to perform. Abacha was still wearing one of those dark Rayban sunglasses that could be folded.

“I stopped the cultural group dance and faced Abacha, saying, ‘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?

“Abacha then removed his glasses and talked to his aide. Immediately I saw DSS officers going backstage to wait for me. Immediately I noticed DSS’s presence, I went down the stage to sit on the ground next to Abacha. He then made jokes about me and questioned why I refused to go backstage.

“I said don’t worry, sir, let them arrest me here. He then looked at me and smiled.”

Late General Sani Abacha ruled Nigeria from 1993 to 1998, after a coup that ousted interim President Ernest Shonekan.

His regime was infamous for abuses, with opposition figures being imprisoned, tortured, or killed.