Pastor sentenced to death for killing his daughter

A high court in Calabar, Cross River State, has sentenced a pastor, Ubong Etim, to death by hanging for killing his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Bassey. Deborah had Down syndrome and was wrongly accused of being a witch.

Justice Blessing Egwu of the Cross River State High Court No. 11 found Mr. Etim guilty of murder. The judge ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt, according to lawyer James Ibor.

Mr. Ibor shared the court's decision in a statement on Facebook on Monday.

The murder took place on February 15, 2025, and it sparked anger among child rights groups and organizations fighting against witchcraft accusations and violence towards children with disabilities.

Rights group celebrates ruling

The Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), which helped with the prosecution, called the verdict a big win in the battle against witchcraft accusations and child abuse.

Mr. Ibor, who is the principal lawyer and co-founder of BRCI, wrote on Facebook that the ruling sends a strong message that violence linked to witchcraft claims will not go unpunished.

“Deborah’s tragic death showed the serious dangers of witchcraft branding, a harmful act that still threatens the lives of children, especially those with disabilities,” the statement said.

The organization pointed out that false witchcraft claims have caused rejection, torture, abandonment, and even murder of children in various communities across Nigeria.

“This ruling is not just justice for Deborah; it is also a crucial step in the fight against witchcraft branding and other harmful actions towards children. It emphasizes that every child has the right to life, dignity, and protection.”

BRCI praised the Nigeria Police Force, the Cross River State Ministry of Justice led by Attorney General Ededem Ani, and the judiciary for their thorough investigation, prosecution, and trial.

They also commended Director of Public Prosecutions Okoi Ukam, lawyers Rajunor Tom and Patrick Usang, and David Ushie of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for their efforts in achieving the conviction.

The group further recognized the support from Women Arise, Safe Child Africa, Project Alert, Etinosa Yvonne, and other partners who provided financial and emotional help to Deborah’s mother and siblings during the trial.

Deborah’s murder is part of a troubling pattern of cases showing the deadly effects of witchcraft claims in Cross River. Rights advocates say vulnerable children, women, and people with disabilities still face dangers fueled by superstition and extreme religious views.

In June, PREMIUM TIMES reported that a woman named Grace Ekoi was beaten during a church event in Onyadama Community, Obubra Local Government Area, after a preacher accused her of witchcraft.

In 2024, PREMIUM TIMES also reported that various civil society groups started a campaign across Cross River communities to fight against witchcraft branding. The coalition warned that false accusations lead to torture, forced displacements, killings, and discrimination, especially against children, widows, elderly women, and people living with disabilities. They called for better enforcement of child protection laws, public awareness, and prosecution of offenders.

This paper also covered a deadly incident in 2023 where a woman accused of witchcraft was killed by a mob in Akamkpa Local Government Area. After public outcry, police promised to find those responsible, but rights groups say many such cases rarely lead to successful prosecution.

Given this background, Monday’s ruling is notable as one of the few instances where someone accused of murder over witchcraft claims has been prosecuted and found guilty.

Child protection advocates believe this ruling could help discourage similar attacks and reassure victims that the justice system can hold wrongdoers accountable.

“The fight against witchcraft branding is gaining strength, and we will keep working hard until every child is safe from harmful accusations, abuse, and violence,” Mr. Ibor said.