A Cross River State High Court sitting in Calabar has sentenced a 51-year-old pastor, Ubong Bassey Etim, to death by hanging for the murder of his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Bassey, who had Down syndrome and was accused of witchcraft.
Delivering judgment, Justice Blessing Egwu found Etim guilty of murder, holding that the prosecution proved the charge against him beyond reasonable doubt.
The court consequently sentenced him to death by hanging.
The court heard that Deborah was killed on February 15, 2025, after her father allegedly branded her a witch.
The killing generated widespread condemnation from child-rights organisations and campaigners working to end witchcraft accusations, disability-based discrimination and violence against children.
Reacting to the judgment, the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative described the conviction as a landmark victory in the fight against witchcraft branding and the abuse of vulnerable children.
The organisation said the judgment delivered justice for Deborah and sent a strong warning that perpetrators of child abuse and harmful traditional practices would be held accountable under the law.
BRCI commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Cross River State Ministry of Justice and the judiciary for what it described as a thorough investigation, diligent prosecution and fair trial.
It particularly praised the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ededem Ani; the Director of Public Prosecutions, Okoi Ukam; and prosecutors Patrick Usang and Deborah Tom for their roles in securing the conviction.
The organisation also acknowledged Dr David Ushie of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for his contribution to the case.
BRCI further commended Women Arise, Safe Child Africa, Project Alert and other partners for providing financial and psychosocial support to Deborah’s mother and siblings throughout the trial.
Reaffirming its commitment to ending witchcraft branding and violence against children, the organisation stressed that every child, regardless of disability, background or circumstance, was entitled to life, dignity and protection from abuse.
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