Veteran Nigerian entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, has revealed that he once engaged in theft and white-collar crime during his younger years in the United States, saying the experiences form part of the deeply personal story contained in his forthcoming memoir, ‘999’.
The 76-year-old made the disclosure during an appearance on Arise Prime Time, where he spoke about his life, past mistakes, personal transformation, and the motivation behind documenting his journey.
According to Charly Boy, the memoir is an honest reflection of his life and deliberately avoids hiding embarrassing or controversial moments. He explained that the only details excluded from the book were incidents he could no longer remember, stressing that readers would find an unfiltered account of both his failures and triumphs.
Speaking about his youthful years, the veteran entertainer admitted he made several reckless decisions, including participating in white-collar crime while living in the United States at the age of 25. He described those years as a period marked by poor choices and risky behaviour, adding that looking back, he believes his survival points to a greater purpose for his life.
“I’ve made mistakes in my life. I’ve been a thief. I’ve done very risky things. I’ve done very stupid things, very foolish things. In fact, I have no business being here with you tonight, but I guess there’s a purpose for my life,” he said.
Recalling his time in America, Charly Boy disclosed that he became involved in white-collar crime during his mid-twenties, admitting that he engaged in activities he now considers irresponsible and regrettable.
“I was doing white-collar crime when I was in America. I was about 25 years old. I was doing a lot of stupid stuff. That’s why I say I’ve been there,” he added.
The entertainer explained that ‘999’ is intended to serve as an unvarnished record of his life’s journey, documenting not only his successes in music, activism, and public life but also the mistakes and difficult experiences that shaped his character.
According to him, the book reflects his commitment to telling his story truthfully without attempting to protect his public image.
Charly Boy also revealed that the title of the memoir symbolises a significant turning point in his life. He said it represents his transition from the rebellious personality for which he became widely known to a new phase centred on peace, self-care and emotional balance.
Reflecting on how age has changed his outlook, he said he now consciously avoids unnecessary stress and prioritises habits that support his physical and mental well-being. According to him, he focuses on getting enough sleep, exercising regularly, maintaining a healthy diet, and being selective about the people and content he allows into his daily life.
“Before, I was always asking, ‘Where is the trouble? Let’s go there.’ Right now, I know how to shut off stress. I’m a sleep professor. I exercise, watch what I eat, the company I keep, and even what I watch on television because I don’t want anything disturbing my spirit,” he said.
Beyond discussing his memoir, Charly Boy also reflected on his battle with prostate cancer, describing the experience as a major turning point that inspired him to support other Nigerian men dealing with similar health challenges. He said the illness strengthened his resolve to encourage men to speak openly about their struggles instead of suppressing their emotions because of societal expectations.
Following his surgery, he disclosed that he spent nearly two years counselling strangers who reached out to him for guidance on health and personal issues. According to him, many of the conversations involved deeply private matters, reinforcing his belief that men need safe spaces where they can seek help without fear of judgment.’
‘999’ is expected to be released in the coming months and will chronicle Charly Boy’s more than five decades in music, activism and public life, alongside the deeply personal experiences he says transformed his outlook and shaped the man he is today.
