The Story of Professor Peller, African But Nigeria’s Greatest Magician

When you think about magic in Africa, one name immediately comes to mind — Professor Peller. Born Moshood Abiola Peller in 1941 in Iseyin, a town in Oyo State, Nigeria, he was one of the most famous magicians and illusionists in Nigeria and Africa at large. Growing up, he was fondly called Moshood Olori Pupa which means “Moshood the Red-Headed Boy”... Read ..Full.. Article.. .

Professor Peller started practicing magic back in the 1950s and later traveled to India and other parts of the world to learn more about the art of illusion. When he returned to Nigeria, he completely changed the face of stage entertainment, pulling massive crowds wherever he performed.

By the 1970s and 80s, Professor Peller the magician had become a true household name, amazing audiences with jaw-dropping tricks like disappearing acts, levitation, and even mind reading. What really made him stand out was not just the magic itself, but his charm, mystery, and the colorful costumes that turned every show into an unforgettable experience.

Although some people believed his magic was connected to the occult and dark powers because of how mysterious his shows were, but Professor Peller always explained that his tricks were purely science and illusion, not supernatural powers. Sadly, his brilliant career came to an end on August 2, 1997, when he was assassinated while observing prayers.

The reason for his assassination remains unclear, but his wife, Alhaja Silifat Abiola Peller (popularly known as Lady Peller), during an interview with BBC revealed that the assassination of her husband was possible because of the personal information he leaked to the media after a performance.

She said, “the media knows how to ask questions that can make one say things he ought not to say. He was asked by the media to reveal the particular time he could be found without his powers. He told them that he could only be found without his powers when he’s observing the Islamic prayers. That’s what Professor Peller said that led to his fall.”

Lady Peller was born in Kishi, Oyo State. She and Professor Peller had five children together, while also raising several stepchildren. One of their children, Shina Peller, is a popular socialite and Nigerian politician.

Even after his death, it is not certain that his records have been broken by other magicians in Africa. He performed in almost every country in Africa. Here is how a professor of psychiatry at the University of Birmingham, Femi Oyebode, described Professor Peller and one of his shows in 1972 at the George V stadium in Lagos, now known as Onikan Stadium.

“My last ever visit to the stadium was to see Professor Peller, a magician, and said to be a member of the Magic Circle take on the last of our traditional magicians whose name now escapes me (itself a significant fact). Professor Peller was dressed in black tails, a top hat, a wand in one hand, black shoes and well-cut hair. He was a perfect picture of debonair gentleman and was assisted by an attractive young woman.”

“He flicked his white handkerchief, and a white dove flew out. He pulled at his cuff links and flowers bloomed under his command. He was confident, majestic. He was suave and graceful. He levitated his assistant. He cut her in two without drawing blood.

Professor Peller during one of his magical performances

“He locked her in a cupboard, chained up several times over yet she disappeared! It was a masterly performance.”
Professor Peller the Nigerian Magcian

“The crowd clapped, hooped. We were seduced against our better judgment. We wished desperately that the traditional magician would enthrall and endear us to his magic, the mysteries of African magic.

“We were disappointed or shall I say that I was disappointed. When he came on stage dressed only in a loincloth of indeterminate color, you could hear the audience ”, and..  Read . .More —