By Musa Muhammad Kutama, Calabar
A High Court sitting in Calabar, the Cross River State capital, has convicted Apostle Ubong Bassey Etim for the murder of his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Bassey, who had Down syndrome and was falsely accused of witchcraft.
The judgment was delivered on Tuesday by Justice Blessing Egwu of High Court No. 11, Calabar, who found the cleric guilty of murder and sentenced him to death by hanging.
Speaking after the judgment, Principal Counsel and Co-Founder of the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), James Ibor, described the verdict as a landmark victory for justice and child protection.
According to Ibor, Deborah’s tragic death highlighted the devastating consequences of witchcraft branding, a harmful practice that continues to endanger the lives of children, particularly those living with disabilities.
He noted that false accusations of witchcraft have led to the rejection, torture, abandonment and killing of many innocent children in several communities.
“The judgment sends a strong message that such acts are criminal and that perpetrators will be held fully accountable under the law,” Ibor said.
He added that the ruling was not only justice for Deborah but also a significant milestone in the campaign to end witchcraft branding and other harmful practices against children.
Ibor commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Cross River State Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Etubom Ededem Ani, and the judiciary for their commitment to ensuring justice.
He also praised the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Okoi Ukam; Patrick Usang, Esq.; Deborah Tom, Esq.; and Dr. David Ushie of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) for their professionalism and dedication throughout the prosecution.
The BRCI further expressed appreciation to its partners, including Women Arise, Safe Child Africa, Project Alert, Etinosa Yvonne, and members of the BRCI team, for supporting Deborah’s mother and siblings with financial and psychosocial assistance.
The organisation reaffirmed its commitment to ending witchcraft branding, protecting children from violence, and ensuring that perpetrators of child abuse are brought to justice.
It stressed that the campaign against witchcraft-related abuse is gaining momentum and pledged to continue advocating until every child is free from harmful accusations, abuse and violence.
