A High Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State, has sentenced a clergyman, Apostle Ubong Bassey Etim, to death by hanging for the murder of his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Bassey, whom he accused of witchcraft.
Justice Blessing Egwu of High Court No. 11 delivered the judgment on Monday after finding the pastor guilty of murder, ruling that the prosecution had established its case beyond reasonable doubt.
During the trial, the court heard that Deborah, who was living with Down syndrome, was falsely accused of practising witchcraft by her father before she was killed.
The tragic incident sparked widespread outrage across the country, with child rights advocates and human rights organisations condemning the killing and describing it as another disturbing case of violence driven by harmful witchcraft allegations against children, particularly those living with disabilities.
Reacting to the judgment, the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) described the verdict as a landmark victory in the campaign against the stigmatisation, abuse and killing 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 strong message that perpetrators of violence against children under the guise of witchcraft accusations will face the full weight of the law.
According to the group, the judgment not only delivered justice for the late Deborah but also strengthened ongoing efforts to eliminate harmful traditional beliefs and practices that expose vulnerable children to torture, abandonment, abuse and death.
The BRCI further commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Cross River State Ministry of Justice, the judiciary and other stakeholders for their commitment to ensuring justice was served.
The organisation reaffirmed its resolve to continue advocating for the protection of children and intensify campaigns against witchcraft branding and other forms of abuse targeting vulnerable minors.
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