Derico Nwamama | |
|---|---|
| Born | Okwudili Ndiwe 1979 |
| Died | 9 July 2001 (aged 21–22) Ochanja market, Anambra State |
| Cause of death | Execution ( Decapitation ) |
| Other names | Derico |
| Citizenship | Nigerian |
| Occupation | Serial killer |
| Years active | 2000 — 2001 |
| Conviction | Guilt |
| Criminal charge | |
| Accomplice | Chiejina |
| Details | |
| Victims |
|
Span of crimes | 2000 –2001 |
| Country | Nigeria |
| State | Anambra State |
| Locations | |
Date apprehended | 3 July 2001 |
| Notes | |
Okwudili Ndiwe predominantly known as Derico Nwamama was a Nigerian serial killer and armed robber. He terrorised Anambra state from 2000 until he was apprehended by the Bakassi Boys in 2001. [1] [2] [3]
Nwamama started off as a pickpocket and street urchin. He transformed into an armed robber during the tenure of governor Chinwoke Mbadinuju at the age of 22. [1] [4] He started off by robbing market women and banks. He was reported to have killed 25 policemen and at least 100 civilians during his crime span. [1] [5]
After all trials by the Nigerian police force to nab Nwamama proved abortive, governor Mbadinuju invited the Bakassi Boys to take over. [1] On 3 July 2001, the Bakassi Boys got an intel that Nwamama was coming to Onitsha, they laid an ambush, intercepting him at Nkpor. 6 days later, on 9 July 2001, the Bakassi Boys paraded Nwamama at the Ochanja market before beheading him with a machete. [2] [6]
A film titled Issakaba , an anagram for the Bakassi Boys, was produced in 2001 by Lancelot Oduwa Imasuen, and it depicted the origin of the vigilante group and their encounter with Nwamama. [7]