'I Go Chop Your Dollar' star arrested

419 spoof turns real

By Jan Libbenga • Get more from this author

Posted in ID, 2nd July 2007 11:10 GMT

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Nigerian comedian and actor Nkem Owoh was one of the 111 suspected 419 scammers arrested in Amsterdam recently as part of a seven month investigation, dubbed Operation Apollo.

Owoh became a well known star within the Nigerian film industry, sometimes colloquially known as Nollywood because of its trite plots, poor dialogue, terrible sound, and low production standards.

Owoh starred in the 2003 film Osuofia, and a year later was one of several actors temporarily banned from appearing in movies by Nigeria's Association of Movie Marketers and Producers because he demanded excessive fees and unreasonable contract demands.

Owoh became internationally known for his song "I Go Chop Your Dollar", the anthem for 419 scammers ("Oyinbo man I go chop your dollar, I go take your money and disappear 419 is just a game, you are the loser I am the winner", full lyrics here), which was banned in Nigeria after many complaints.

The song was the title track from the comedy, The Master, starring Owoh as a scheming 419er.

The alleged scammers are suspected of running a series of lottery-based (AKA 419-lite) scams. ®

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