Popular Nigerian comedian Oghenekowhoyan Onaibe Desmond, better known as Destalker, has revealed that before finding success in comedy, he once attempted to engage in internet fraud but failed because he could not bring himself to defraud others.
Speaking during a recent episode of the In-House Gist podcast, Destalker opened up about his early struggles, explaining that his kindhearted nature made it impossible for him to succeed in fraudulent activities.
The award-winning comedian said that his journey into comedy was not straightforward, as he faced several challenges and temptations while trying to survive in Enugu before his breakthrough.
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The comedian recalled that a close friend, who introduced him to online fraud years ago, is now a respected Christian cleric.
“Before I left Enugu, I tried internet fraud with one of my friends who is now a pastor, but I wasn’t successful at it,” Destalker said. “Then we would book night sessions at a cyber café for ₦250. I couldn’t even afford it then, so my friend always paid for me. He is now a big pastor, Rev. Nelson Umeh.”
The comedian explained that while his friend focused on finding victims online, he found himself chatting innocently with family and friends on social media instead.
“While he was scouting for victims online to scam, I was busy chatting with my family, friends, and old schoolmates from Ughelli on Facebook. After that, I would fall asleep,” he recounted. “There is no need for overspending when you are on the wrong lane.”
Destalker said his inability to deceive people was a sign that cybercrime was not his path in life. He described his failed attempt as a lesson that eventually pushed him toward his true purpose, comedy.
“It was not my destiny,” he said. “I can’t defraud a person because I am kindhearted. Because of all that I went through, I have grown so confident that no one can stop me from achieving my goal.”
According to the comedian, his experiences struggling through life and facing rejection built his resilience. He added that many people in the comedy industry once doubted his talent and tried to block his opportunities, but he remained determined to succeed.
“There were some comedians who said without them I would not perform at certain shows, and I told them that I would still blow even without performing there, and I did,” he said confidently. “Some of the shows have gone extinct, and some of the comedians are also no longer relevant.”
Today, Destalker is regarded as one of Nigeria’s most energetic and outspoken comedians. Known for his powerful stage presence and witty delivery, he has performed at several high-profile events across the country.
He has also won multiple awards, including the Best Comedian of the Year at the Naija FM Comedy Awards, earning him a solid reputation as one of the hardest-working figures in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Despite his success, Destalker often uses his story to inspire young people to choose honesty, patience, and persistence over shortcuts.
He emphasised during the interview that while internet fraud may seem like a fast route to wealth, it ultimately leads to destruction and regret.
“It’s better to struggle genuinely and rise gradually than to succeed through deceit,” he said. “Comedy gave me purpose and fulfillment. That’s why I tell people, find your lane and follow it with faith.”
Destalker’s story serves as a reminder that failure in one path can often be the redirection needed to discover true purpose.
