Clergyman to Die by Hanging for Killing Daughter over Witchcraft Accusation

Court has sentenced one Apostle Ubong Bassey Etim to death by hanging for the murder of his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Bassey. Etim falsely accused his daughter, who had Down Syndrome, of witchcraft, and killed her. Justice Blessing Egwu of High Court No. 11 Calabar, delivered the judgment on Monday, holding that the prosecution proved the […]

Court has sentenced one Apostle Ubong Bassey Etim to death by hanging for the murder of his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Bassey.

Etim falsely accused his daughter, who had Down Syndrome, of witchcraft, and killed her.

Justice Blessing Egwu of High Court No. 11 Calabar, delivered the judgment on Monday, holding that the prosecution proved the charge of murder against the clergyman beyond reasonable doubt.

Deborah’s death sparked outrage among child and human rights groups.

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They had condemned the killing as another tragic consequence of witchcraft accusations against children, particularly those living with disabilities.

Reacting in a statement signed by their Principal Counsel and Co-Founder, James Ibor, the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) described the conviction as a landmark victory in the campaign to protect children from witchcraft branding and related violence.

The organisation said the verdict sends a strong message that those who subject children to violence or death based on false witchcraft allegations will face the full weight of the law.

The BRCI said the judgment not only delivered justice for Deborah but also strengthened efforts to eliminate harmful practices that expose children to abuse, torture, abandonment and death.

It commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Cross River State Ministry of Justice, the judiciary and other stakeholders for their roles in securing the conviction.

The group also reiterated its commitment to protecting vulnerable children, pledging to sustain advocacy against witchcraft branding and other forms of violence against children until such practices are eradicated and offenders are consistently brought to justice.