I’ve been a thief and made many foolish mistakes — Charlie Boy

By Juliet Umeh

Veteran entertainer and activist Charles Oputa, better known as Charlie Boy, has revealed details of his troubled past, admitting that he engaged in white‑collar crime and made numerous “foolish mistakes” during his youth.

He says these experiences are fully documented in his forthcoming memoir, 999.

During an interview on Arise Prime Time, Charlie Boy explained that he chose to tell his story without filtering out any embarrassing or controversial moments, insisting that the book reflects a journey of mistakes, survival, and redemption.

“I’ve made mistakes in my life,” he said.

“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 added that while living in the United States in his twenties, he became involved in white‑collar crime before eventually turning his life around.

“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.”

Charlie Boy said those experiences shaped the person he has become today and influenced his decision to write an honest account of his life.

Describing 999 as “a terrible kind of book,” he said readers should expect an unfiltered memoir that exposes both his failures and triumphs.

“I don’t leave anything out. The only few things I left out were because I genuinely couldn’t remember them. Otherwise, everything is there.”

According to him, the title 999 symbolizes a new chapter in his life rather than the rebellious image many Nigerians have associated with him for decades.

“I’ve been smart, I’ve been stupid, I’ve been foolish. Old things have passed away. This is a new beginning for me. All I want now is peace and tranquillity.”

The activist said advancing age has changed his outlook on life, replacing confrontation with personal growth and service to humanity.

“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, I watch what I eat, the company I keep and even what I watch on television because I don’t want anything disturbing my spirit.”

Charlie Boy also spoke extensively about surviving prostate cancer, saying the experience inspired him to support other Nigerian men facing similar health challenges.

“I wanted to free a lot of men because we’ve been brainwashed into believing men don’t cry and shouldn’t talk about what they’re going through.”

“After my surgery, I spent almost two years speaking with complete strangers who called me for advice. They trusted me enough to tell me very intimate things.”

On the state of the nation, Charlie Boy maintained that despite growing frustration among Nigerians, he remains optimistic about the country’s future.

“No matter how dark the tunnel is, I still believe the salvation of this country lies in the hands of young people.”

Reflecting on his strained relationship with his late father, former Supreme Court Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, Charlie Boy said he rebelled because he wanted to build an identity outside his father’s shadow.

Vanguard News