Kano Set For Laughter As Fast-Rising Comedian MC Obiolo Announces “Books of Jokes” Show

The entertainment scene in Kano is set for another major moment as fast-rising comedian MC Obiolo prepares to host the second edition of his comedy event titled Books of Jokes.

The show, scheduled for June 14 at Carpon 7 Event Center, Sabon Gari, is expected to bring together comedy lovers, entertainers, and youth audiences for an evening of laughter and live performances.

Over the years, MC Obiolo has continued to build a strong reputation within Kano’s entertainment industry, becoming one of the most recognised young comedians in the state. His growing popularity and consistency have made him a regular feature at major entertainment events across Kano and other parts of Northern Nigeria.

Many believe his journey reflects the growing strength of youth-driven entertainment and comedy culture in Kano, as more young creatives continue to gain recognition through consistency and talent.

The upcoming event will feature performances from several comedians and entertainers including Big Jay Utaji, MC Cfr Jimoh, MC Paff, MC Jay, Laugh Engine, MC Hotplate, Comedian Okoro, Double Gee, Comedian Pos, Mouth Piece and Zionith.

According to the organisers, the event will begin with a red carpet session by 5PM before the main performances commence at 6PM.

Ticket Categories

• Regular      — ₦3,000
• VIP              — ₦20,000
• Table for 4 — ₦100,000
• Table for 8 — ₦200,000

For ticket reservations, sponsorship, or partnership enquiries, interested individuals can contact: 

+234 708 472 2931.

US-Based Commentator Sparks Debate Over Jonathan’s Possible 2027 Return

 

A United States-based commentator, Mike Arnold, has ignited fresh conversations around Nigeria’s 2027 presidential race following a strongly worded open message addressed to former President Goodluck Jonathan.

In the statement, Arnold described Jonathan as a “good man” and a rare figure in African politics, revealing that he had previously met and interacted personally with the former Nigerian leader.

Reflecting on Jonathan’s rise to power in 2010 after the death of former President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua, Arnold noted that his emergence was largely shaped by constitutional succession rather than long-term political calculations.

The commentator also revisited Jonathan’s famous 2015 concession speech after losing the presidential election, where he declared that his political ambition was not worth the blood of any Nigerian. The statement was at the time celebrated both locally and internationally as a major example of peaceful democratic transition in Africa.

However, Arnold questioned whether the decision ultimately benefited the country, arguing that Nigeria has since witnessed rising insecurity, violent conflicts, displacement, and growing humanitarian challenges.

According to him, millions of Nigerians have been affected by insecurity in recent years, with communities across parts of the Middle Belt and North-East reportedly suffering attacks, destruction, and displacement.

He argued that the country is currently facing one of its most difficult periods and suggested that any possible return by Jonathan in 2027 would reopen serious national conversations about leadership, responsibility, and courage.

Addressing the former president directly, Arnold questioned whether Jonathan would return as a stronger and more decisive leader or continue to approach national crises through political compromise.

He also raised questions about what lessons the former president may have learned from his 2015 electoral defeat and whether any future political ambition would be motivated by national interest or personal aspiration.

Breaking: Fresh Update On Jonathan Presidential Bid

 

A fresh development has emerged in the legal battle surrounding the possible 2027 presidential ambition of former President Goodluck Jonathan, as a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja adjourned the case challenging his eligibility to contest.

The court, presided over by Justice Peter Lifu, fixed May 11, 2026, for the continuation of proceedings after the plaintiff’s counsel requested additional time to respond to new filings submitted by the defence team.

The suit seeks to stop Jonathan from participating in the 2027 presidential election and also asks the court to restrain the Independent National Electoral Commission from accepting his candidacy.

At the centre of the case is the interpretation of the 1999 Constitution regarding whether Jonathan can legally return to contest for the presidency after completing the tenure of late President Umaru Musa Yar’Adua and later winning a full term in 2011.

During Friday’s proceedings, Jonathan’s lawyer, Chris Uche, told the court that he initially became aware of the matter through media reports and had since begun preparing the necessary legal response.

He further argued that courts had previously ruled on similar matters concerning Jonathan’s eligibility, questioning why the issue had resurfaced once again.

Notably, both the Independent National Electoral Commission and the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation were absent during the hearing.

Justice Lifu subsequently directed that hearing notices be properly served on all parties ahead of the next court session, as the legal debate over Jonathan’s potential political return continues to attract national attention.

N-YED Opens Applications For Youth Sensitization On Electoral Participation, Leadership

 

A youth-focused organization, New Turn For Youth Enthusiasm and Development (N-YED), has called on interested young people, activists, and stakeholders to apply for its upcoming one-day sensitization programme aimed at promoting active youth participation in Nigeria’s electoral process and leadership development.

According to the organizers, the programme is designed to bring together young activists, civil society actors, development partners, and government representatives to strengthen youth engagement in governance while fostering a new generation of informed and responsible leaders.

N-YED noted that the event will serve as a platform for networking, partnership building, and practical learning sessions focused on leadership skills and understanding the electoral process.

The organization described the programme as an interactive and impactful engagement expected to inspire young people to become more actively involved in shaping the future of the nation through good leadership and democratic participation.

Programme Details

• Date: May 15, 2026
• Time: 9:00 PM
• Venue: No. 2 Resident 16, Magaji Rumfa beside R & K, Ahmadu Bello Way

Interested participants are encouraged to apply through the link below:

https://form.svhrt.com/69f7bd69001e39939dd3f127

Dadiyata: Fresh Allegations Revive Questions Over Disappearance of Dadiyata

 

Fresh allegations contained in a petition addressed to the Inspector General of Police have reignited public attention on the unresolved disappearance of social critic and activist Abubakar Idris Dadiyata, years after he vanished under mysterious circumstances.

The petition, written by Musa Muhammad Kamarawa, a former Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to former Zamfara State Governor Bello Matawalle, accused two police officers identified as CSP Hussaini Gimba and CSP Hassan Gimba of torture, extortion, illegal property seizure, and unlawful house searches during his detention in 2021.

However, the most disturbing part of the document was Kamarawa’s claim that the officers allegedly threatened to kill him “as they killed Dadiyata and Saminu S/Fada Gusau,” a statement that has triggered renewed conversations online about the fate of the missing activist.

Dadiyata, known for his outspoken criticism of political leaders and social commentary, disappeared in August 2019 after reportedly being abducted from his home in Kaduna by unidentified men. Since then, his whereabouts have remained unknown despite repeated demands from activists, civil society groups, and members of the public for answers.

In the petition, Kamarawa alleged that while in detention at an operation facility in Kaduna, he was forced under duress to avoid mentioning his relationship with Matawalle during recorded interrogations. He claimed investigators instead focused heavily on his ties to former Sokoto State Governor Attahiru Bafarawa.

The former aide further accused the officers of compelling him to withdraw ₦3.6 million from his company’s UBA account while in detention, claiming bank records and transaction receipts exist to support the allegation. He also alleged that funds were collected from his family through a middleman identified as Alhaji Hussaini Bosso to prevent his alleged killing.

According to the petition, the officers also confiscated building materials linked to a Sokoto State government contract awarded to him and carried out a search of his residence without a valid warrant, allegedly carting away valuables including cash and gold.

Photos of bank transaction receipts and other supporting documents were reportedly shared alongside the petition as evidence of the allegations.

The resurfacing of Dadiyata’s name in the petition has stirred fresh reactions online, with many Nigerians once again calling for a transparent investigation into his disappearance and broader allegations of abuse by security operatives.

As of the time of filing this report, the Nigeria Police Force has not publicly responded to the allegations contained in the petition, and there has been no official statement from the officers named in the document.

Eni Moves To Sell Remaining 5% Stake In Renaissance Energy

Italian energy giant Eni has reportedly commenced plans to sell its remaining 5 per cent stake in Renaissance Africa Energy joint venture in Nigeria, according to documents released ahead of the company’s annual general meeting in Milan.

The company disclosed that details surrounding the prospective buyer and the value of the transaction remain confidential for now, noting that the preferred bidder would undergo a comprehensive due diligence process, including reputational risk assessment.

Reports indicate that several local and international firms submitted bids for the stake, with Nigerian firm Sterling Oil Exploration and Energy Production Company (SEEPCO) emerging as the leading contender.

Eni currently holds the stake through its subsidiary, Agip Energy and Natural Resources (Nigeria) Limited, one of the company’s longstanding operations in the country. The asset represents one of Eni’s final onshore investments in the Niger Delta region.

The planned sale is part of a broader trend involving the gradual withdrawal of major Western oil firms from Nigeria’s onshore oil sector amid regulatory concerns, operational challenges, crude theft, and pipeline vandalism.

In March 2025, Shell concluded the $2.4 billion sale of SPDC to the Renaissance Africa Energy consortium after receiving final approval from Nigerian authorities. Earlier in January 2026, TotalEnergies also agreed to sell its 10 per cent stake in the same joint venture to Vaaris Resources JV Co Ltd.

With Eni now preparing to divest, all three major foreign partners in the venture have initiated exits from the project.

Analysts have linked the continued withdrawal of international oil companies from Nigeria’s onshore sector to foreign exchange constraints, security concerns, and regulatory uncertainties. According to estimates by the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), crude theft and vandalism caused losses exceeding $3.3 billion between January 2021 and February 2022.

The Renaissance joint venture reportedly controls 18 production licences across the Niger Delta, with estimated reserves of 6.73 billion barrels of oil and condensates, alongside 56.3 trillion cubic feet of gas.