Derico Nwamama

Nigerian bandit

Derico Nwamama

Born|

Okwudili Ndiwe

1979 (1979)

Anambra State

Died| 9 July 2001(2001-07-09) (aged 21–22)

Ochanja market, Anambra State

Cause of death| Execution (Decapitation)
Other names| Derico
Citizenship| Nigerian
Occupation| Armed robber
Years active| 2000 — 2001
Conviction(s)| Guilt
Criminal charge|

* Genocide
* Armed robbery

Partner(s)| Chiejina
Details
Victims|

* 25 Policemen
* 100 civilians

Span of crimes

| 2000 (2000)–2001 (2001)
Country| Nigeria
State(s)| Anambra State
Location(s)|

* Onitsha
* Nnewi
* Nkpor
* Umuleri
* Ihiala

Date apprehended

| 3 July 2001
Notes

[1]

Okwudili Ndiwe predominantly known as Derico Nwamama was a Nigeria bandit. He terrorised Anambra state from 2000 until he was apprehended by the Bakassi Boys in 2001.[1][2][3]

## Early life[edit]

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]

## Death[edit]

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][5]

## In popular culture[edit]

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 and Anini.[6]

## References[edit]

1. ^ a b c d e Akande, Segun (15 March 2018). "Onitsha will never forget the infamous Derico Nwamama". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 2 April 2022.
2. ^ a b Nigeria: The Bakassi Boys: The Legitimization of Murder and Torture. Vol. 14\. Human Rights Watch. 2002. p. 25.
3. ^ David Pratten, ed. (2008). Perspectives on Vigilantism in Nigeria. Africa Special Issues. Edinburgh University Press. ISBN 9780748636006.
4. ^ Agbo, Njideka (21 July 2018). "Child Thief: To Blame Or Not To Blame?". The Guardian. Retrieved 3 April 2022.
5. ^ The News. Vol. 17\. Independent Communication Limited. 2001. p. 21 and 28.
6. ^ Izuzu, Chibumga (22 June 2017). "A tribute to Issakaba the greatest Nigerian action movie ever". Pulse Nigeria. Retrieved 3 April 2022.