In a recent episode of The Honest Bunch Podcast co-hosted by actor Chinedu Ani Emmanuel, aka Nedu, veteran singer and social activist Charles Oputa, popularly known as Charly Boy, disclosed that he was involved in fraudulent activities with banks before the infamous 419 scams gained notoriety in Nigeria.
The term “419 fraud” refers to advance fee fraud, a scheme where the fraudster promises the victim a substantial share of a large sum of money in exchange for a small upfront payment. If the victim makes the payment, the fraudster often invents additional fees or disappears.
Charly Boy revealed that he had been engaged in scamming banks even before the rise of 419 scams. He shared insights into his upbringing, stating that his father, the late Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, influenced him negatively through religion.
“I spoil from belle because at 16, I don born. My first son is almost 53. I was scamming banks even before una begin hear of 419, I don do small. My papa, when I dey small he damage me with religion and religiousity,” Charly Boy expressed during the podcast.
Despite his controversial past, Charly Boy emphasized that his marriage, spanning 45 years, was a result of hard work and not necessarily a smooth journey. He addressed misconceptions about love being the sole foundation for marriage, highlighting the need for deeper understanding. In an interview with Saturday Beats, he shared, “My marriage is not perfect, but we are a perfect match made in heaven. Young people usually believe that love is all they need to marry. That is a big lie.”
He concluded by stating that his 45-year-long marriage felt like a life sentence, emphasizing the commitment and effort required to sustain a lasting relationship.
