The Cross River State High Court sitting in Calabar has sentenced a clergyman, Apostle Ubong Bassey Etim, to death by hanging for the murder of his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Bassey, after accusing her of witchcraft.
Justice Blessing Egwu of High Court No. 11 delivered the judgment on Monday, ruling that the prosecution had proved the charge of murder beyond reasonable doubt.
The court heard that the victim, who had Down syndrome, was falsely accused of practising witchcraft by her father before she was killed.
The incident had drawn widespread condemnation from child rights advocates and human rights organisations, who described the killing as another case of violence fuelled by harmful witchcraft accusations against children, particularly those living with disabilities.
Reacting to the judgment, the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative hailed the verdict as a significant milestone in the fight against the stigmatisation and abuse of children accused of witchcraft.
In a statement signed by its Principal Counsel and Co-Founder, James Ibor, the organisation said the conviction sends a clear warning that anyone who subjects children to violence or death over unfounded witchcraft claims will be held accountable under the law.
The group added that the judgment not only secured justice for Deborah but also reinforced ongoing efforts to eradicate harmful practices that expose children to abuse, torture, abandonment and death.
BRCI also commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Cross River State Ministry of Justice, the judiciary and other stakeholders for their roles in securing the conviction, while reaffirming its commitment to protecting vulnerable children and intensifying advocacy against witchcraft branding and related abuses.
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