Court Sentences Apostle To Death For Killing Daughter Accused Of Witchcraft

CALABAR, CROSS RIVER – The High Court No. 11 sitting in Calabar has sentenced an apostle, Ubong Bassey Etim, to death by hanging after finding him guilty of murdering his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Bassey, who had Down syndrome and was falsely accused of being a witch.

The judgment was delivered on Monday by Hon. Justice Blessing Egwu, who convicted the defendant of murder and imposed the death sentence, according to a statement published on the official social media handle of James Ibor, Principal Counsel and Co-Founder of the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI).

Reacting to the judgment, Ibor described the conviction as justice for Deborah and a major step in protecting children from harmful traditional practices.

“Today’s judgment sends a strong message that such acts are criminal and that perpetrators will be held fully accountable under the law,” he said.

He said Deborah’s death exposed the devastating consequences of witchcraft branding, noting that the harmful practice continues to endanger children, particularly those living with disabilities.

According to him, false accusations of witchcraft have led to the rejection, torture, abandonment and killing of innocent children in many communities, making the court’s decision a significant milestone in the campaign against such abuses.

Ibor further stated that the judgment reaffirmed every child’s right to life, dignity and protection, adding that the verdict represented not only justice for Deborah but also renewed hope for vulnerable children facing similar threats.

“This judgment is not only justice for Deborah; it is also a significant milestone in the ongoing fight to end witchcraft branding and other harmful practices against children,” he said.

The Basic Rights Counsel Initiative commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Attorney General of Cross River State, Etubom Ededem Ani, the Ministry of Justice and the Judiciary for their roles in securing the conviction.

The organisation also acknowledged the contributions of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Okoi Ukam, legal practitioners Rajunor Tom, Esq. and Patrick Usang, Esq., as well as Dr. David Ushie of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, describing their efforts as instrumental to achieving justice.

Ibor further appreciated partner organisations, including Women Arise, Safe Child Africa, Project Alert, Etinosa Yvonne, and members of the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, for providing financial assistance and psychosocial support to Deborah’s mother and siblings following the incident.

He reaffirmed the organisation’s commitment to ending witchcraft branding and ensuring that perpetrators of violence against children are held accountable.

“The campaign against witchcraft branding is gaining momentum, and we will continue to work tirelessly until every child is free from harmful accusations, abuse and violence,” Ibor said.

The statement did not disclose when the offence was committed or provide details of the evidence presented during the trial. The report is based on information released through James Ibor’s official social media account.