Derico Nwamama | |
---|---|
Born | Okwudili Ndiwe 1979 |
Died | 9 July 2001 21–22) Ochanja market, Anambra State | (aged
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]