Nigerian Comedian Alibaba Says He’s Relieved Charlie Kirk’s Killer Is Not Black or Arab as Details About Tyler Robinson’s Personal Life Emerge
The shocking assassination of conservative activist Charlie Kirk continues to dominate headlines worldwide, but a surprising reaction from Nigeria has added an international twist. Veteran Nigerian comedian Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, popularly known as Alibaba, has gone viral for expressing relief that the suspected killer is not a Black or Arab person. In a candid video statement, Alibaba described the incident as “terrible” but admitted it would have been worse if the perpetrator fit those demographics, fearing a skewed narrative. This comes as more personal details about the suspect, 22-year-old Tyler Robinson from Utah, emerge, painting a picture of a young man from a Republican family who had recently grown more political and critical of Kirk. The comedian’s comments have sparked debate on social media, highlighting concerns about media bias and racial stereotypes in high-profile crimes.
Charlie Kirk, the 31-year-old co-founder of Turning Point USA, was fatally shot on September 10, 2025, during a speaking event at Utah Valley University in Orem, Utah. The attack, which authorities believe was politically motivated, has drawn global attention, including from figures far beyond U.S. borders like Alibaba. As investigations unfold and Robinson faces charges, Alibaba’s remarks underscore how such tragedies can fuel discussions on identity and perception worldwide.
Alibaba’s Viral Statement: Relief Amid Controversy
Alibaba, one of Nigeria’s most prominent comedians known for his sharp social commentary, shared his thoughts in a video that quickly spread across platforms like X (formerly Twitter) and Instagram. In the clip, he addressed the assassination directly, calling it a “terrible thing” but emphasizing his personal relief upon learning the suspect’s identity. “I can’t put into words how relieved I was when I heard the suspect wasn’t Black. Because if it were, the narrative would have been different,” Alibaba said. He extended this to Arabs, noting that a perpetrator from those backgrounds would likely face amplified scrutiny and stereotypes in global media coverage.
The comedian, whose real name is Atunyota Alleluya Akpobome, elaborated that the incident would have been “worse if the perpetrator was a Black or Brown person.” Alibaba, who has built a career on addressing societal issues through humor, seemed to draw from experiences of racial profiling in international news. He didn’t specify further but implied that such a demographic would lead to broader generalizations and backlash against entire communities. The video, which runs about a minute, has been shared widely in Nigeria and beyond, with posts from accounts like @HamidOlami2519 and @Kolaqhazim amplifying it on X.
Alibaba’s comments come at a time when the Charlie Kirk case has already stirred debates on political violence and media portrayal. As a Nigerian entertainer with a global following, his perspective adds a unique angle, reflecting how events in the U.S. resonate in Africa. He has not responded to requests for further clarification, but the statement aligns with his history of speaking out on injustice and bias.
Who Is Tyler Robinson? Emerging Personal Details
As Alibaba’s video gained traction, authorities released more about the suspect, Tyler Robinson, which seems to have informed the comedian’s relief. Robinson, 22, from Washington City, Utah, was arrested on September 12 after a 33-hour manhunt that ended when his family convinced him to surrender. He is white, from a suburban Mormon family, and his parents—Amber Denise Robinson (a social worker) and Matthew Carl Robinson (who runs a kitchen countertop business)—are both registered Republicans, much like Kirk himself.
Robinson is registered as a nonpartisan voter in Utah but listed as “inactive” for not voting in the last two general elections. Neighbors and family described him as a “squeaky clean” and “considerate” kid who excelled academically. He briefly attended Utah State University in 2021 on a generous scholarship but dropped out after one semester. He had been living with his parents “for a long time,” according to officials.
In recent years, Robinson became more politically engaged, though in opposition to Kirk. During a family dinner before the shooting, he criticized the activist, saying Kirk was “spreading hate” and was “full of hate.” Investigators found messages on Discord under an account named “Tyler” linked to him, suggesting possible online radicalization. Shell casings at the scene were engraved with phrases like “Hey, fascist! Catch!” and references to anti-fascist themes, indicating a targeted political motive.
Robinson was taken into custody without incident after his father, recognizing him from FBI photos, urged him to turn himself in. He reportedly told his father he would “rather kill myself than turn myself in,” but a family friend—a youth pastor—helped calm him. He faces charges of aggravated murder, felony discharge of a firearm, and obstruction of justice, with formal arraignment set for September 16. Utah officials, including Attorney General Derek Brown, have indicated the death penalty is on the table.
The Shooting Incident: A Recap
Charlie Kirk was mid-speech at an outdoor event on the Utah Valley University campus when shots rang out around 11:52 a.m. on September 10. The bullet struck him in the neck, and he was pronounced dead at the scene despite immediate medical aid. The event, part of Kirk’s “American Comeback Tour,” aimed to rally conservative youth against perceived left-wing influences on campuses. No other injuries occurred, but the university locked down and canceled classes.
The FBI and local police launched a swift manhunt, releasing surveillance footage of Robinson fleeing the rooftop sniper position. A $100,000 reward was offered, but it was family intervention that led to his arrest in Washington City, about 250 miles south of Orem. Authorities believe he acted alone, with no accomplices identified.
Reactions: From Nigeria to the U.S.
Alibaba’s statement has elicited mixed responses. In Nigeria, some praised his honesty about media biases, with X users sharing the video and agreeing that racial narratives often overshadow facts in Western media. Others criticized it as insensitive, arguing it downplays the tragedy. Globally, it ties into broader discussions on how suspect identities influence coverage, especially in polarized cases like Kirk’s.
In the U.S., reactions focus on the political angle. Kirk’s widow, Erika, vowed to continue his legacy in a tearful address, calling the killing an attack on “patriotism, faith, and family.” President Trump, a close ally, demanded the death penalty and praised the arrest. Vigils have formed worldwide, including in the UK and Ireland, where supporters mourned Kirk’s influence on young conservatives.
Utah Governor Spencer Cox called the shooting “an attack on all of us,” urging unity against political violence. Students at Utah Valley University expressed relief at the arrest but worry about campus safety.
Broader Implications: Media, Race, and Political Violence
Alibaba’s relief touches on a sensitive issue: how media frames crimes based on the perpetrator’s race or ethnicity. In cases involving Black or Arab suspects, coverage often amplifies stereotypes, as seen in past incidents. Robinson’s profile—a white, nonpartisan voter from a Republican family—shifts the narrative to internal political divides, potentially avoiding broader racial backlash.
This case also highlights rising political violence in the U.S., following attempts on Trump and other figures. Kirk’s death, motivated by his anti-“woke” activism, has galvanized conservatives, with Turning Point USA vowing to expand under Erika’s leadership. Online radicalization, possibly via Discord, raises alarms about digital influences on youth.
As Robinson’s trial approaches, expect more details on his motives. For now, Alibaba’s comments serve as a stark reminder of global perceptions in American tragedies.
Conclusion: A Global Echo in a Local Tragedy
Nigerian comedian Alibaba’s relief that Charlie Kirk’s alleged killer, Tyler Robinson, is not Black or Arab reflects deep-seated concerns about media bias and racial narratives. As details of Robinson’s “squeaky clean” background and recent political awakening emerge, the story evolves from manhunt to meditation on division. Kirk’s legacy endures through his widow’s resolve, but incidents like this demand reflection on how we cover violence without prejudice. The world watches as justice unfolds in Utah.