Over 23 years ago, in 2001, Nigeria was still reeling from the chaotic predictions surrounding the year 2bug, which had people fearing that the turn of the millennium would lead to global catastrophe. Computers were expected to stop functioning at midnight on December 31, 1999, and doomsday prophets had a field day, preying on the ignorance of the masses. Despite these absurd claims, Nigeria was grappling with more real and pressing concerns, especially in the wake of transitioning from military rule to democracy after General Sani Abacha’s mysterious death in 1999.
As a secondary school student at the time, I was keenly aware of the historical significance of the period, particularly the growing wave of insecurity that threatened the nation. Notorious armed robbers like Dr. Ishola Oyenusi and Abiodun Egunjobi terrorized the Southwest, while Lawrence Anini unleashed havoc in the South-South. However, in the Southeast, one name soon struck fear into the hearts of millions: Derico Nwamama, whose real name was Okwudili Ndiwe.
The Emergence of a Criminal Mastermind
Derico’s journey into the underworld began as a street urchin in Onitsha. From petty theft and pickpocketing, he quickly graduated into a notorious criminal. The mere mention of his name sent chills down the spines of both citizens and law enforcement officers across the Southeast. However, before Derico’s reign of terror, the region was already under the brutal control of another feared criminal: Chiejina.
In February 1999, Chiejina, known for his ruthlessness, carried out one of the most horrific crimes in Onitsha. Following a failed robbery attempt, he threw a 4-month-old baby off a three-story building and shot the father when he couldn’t provide the money demanded. Chiejina’s depravity knew no bounds, as he reportedly forced families into committing incest in his presence for his own twisted amusement. His reign of terror was unmatched, and he seemed unstoppable.
Derico’s Betrayal and Rise to Power
Initially, Derico and Chiejina were close allies, having formed their bond during the infamous Umuleri-Aguleri war. While Derico was primarily based in Abuja, he frequently returned to the Southeast for robbery operations, terrorizing the region before retreating to the safety of the capital.
However, in November 1999, the tide began to turn. The then Obi of Onitsha, HRH Obi Ofala Okagbue, rallied the Onitsha-Ado youth to combat the rising crime, especially as Christmas approached. A meeting was held between the youths and the notorious robbers to negotiate peace, but Chiejina refused to stand down. He became more ruthless, attacking members of the youth group. Desperate, the youth sought Derico’s help in taking down his former ally.
Derico, seeing an opportunity to eliminate his competition, collaborated with the police and orchestrated a raid on Chiejina’s gang. Although Chiejina wasn’t caught, many of his men were arrested. Enraged by the betrayal, Chiejina retaliated by killing Derico’s father in cold blood. This act of violence ignited a feud that would ultimately lead to Chiejina’s demise.
Derico tracked down Chiejina in Onitsha and shot him multiple times, ending the reign of one of Nigeria’s most feared criminals. In a gruesome display, Derico placed Chiejina’s body in a wheelbarrow and delivered it to the police station. The officers celebrated Derico as a hero, unaware that they were now hailing an even deadlier force.
The Emperor of Terror
With Chiejina dead, Derico became the undisputed king of terror in Anambra State. His notoriety spread beyond Onitsha, reaching towns like Umuleri, Agbor, Benin, and Asaba. He looted banks, terrorized traders, and turned life into a nightmare for the people of Anambra. Travelers passing through the state lived in constant fear, knowing that Derico could strike at any moment. His ruthlessness knew no bounds, and even the police were powerless against him.
At the height of his criminal career, Derico was believed to have killed over 200 people, including 25 police officers. He was a master of bus robberies and took sadistic pleasure in executing his victims. His confidence in his invincibility was bolstered by the charms and diabolical powers he believed protected him.
Even the government was shaken by Derico’s reign of terror. Anambra State’s Governor, Chinwoke Mbadinuju, was at his wits’ end, and the state descended into chaos. President Olusegun Obasanjo himself was infuriated by the situation, as the police seemed incapable of stopping Derico’s rampage.
The Fall of Derico
Derico’s crimes escalated to unprecedented levels in December 2000, when he and his gang committed a horrific massacre on a luxurious bus at Upper Iweka Road. After robbing all the passengers, Derico ordered his men to kill everyone on board, leaving behind a bloody trail. This heinous act prompted Governor Mbadinuju to enlist the help of the dreaded Bakassi Boys, a vigilante group known for their brutal methods of justice.
In May 2001, the Anambra State Police launched “Operation Derico,” aimed at capturing the elusive criminal. While several of his men were arrested, Derico continued his violent spree. However, his luck finally ran out on July 3, 2001, when the Bakassi Boys intercepted a bus he was traveling in near Onitsha. Sensing danger, Derico attempted to escape but was swiftly captured.
On July 9, 2001, just six days after his capture, Derico met his gruesome end at the hands of the Bakassi Boys. In a public execution at Upper Iweka Road, Derico was beheaded, and his lifeless body was dismembered and set on fire. The people of Anambra celebrated his death, relieved that their long nightmare had finally come to an end.
Conclusion
The rise and fall of Derico Nwamama remains a chilling reminder of the devastating consequences of crime. His story serves as a warning to young people enticed by the allure of cultism, robbery, and violence. No matter how invincible one may feel, crime does not pay, and eventually, justice will prevail. Derico’s legacy is one of terror, but his brutal end is a testament to the fact that evil, no matter how powerful , will always be brought to Justice.
