By Archibong Jeremiah
Lead Counsel of Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, BRCI, James Ibor, Esq. has commended Honorable Justice Agness A. Onyebueke of Cross River State High Court, Akamkpa division for sentencing Mr. Anyanime Festus Udo to death by hanging.
Justice Onyebueke delivered the judgment in suit number HK/6C/2018 today (Tuesday) afternoon. Mr. Anyanime gruesomely murdered his 11 years old twins – Mfoniso Anyanime and Emediong Anyanime five years ago.
The judgment is coming shortly after the United Nations urged nations to take measures against abuses linked to witchcraft beliefs and ritual sacrifice.
Ibor in a statement to our newsroom said, “We use this opportunity to thank Justice Onyebueke for her courage, Hon. Attorney General Tanko Ashang and his able team, the Commissioner of Police Cross River State and the General Hospital Akamkpa, UNICEF, and staff and volunteers of Basic Rights Counsel Initiative.
“This is a great victory to the victims – Mfoniso Anyanime and Emediong Anyanime and the Government of Cross River State at a period where witchcraft branding and ritual killing has become a pastime in the State.
“The United Nations has urged nations to take measures against abuses linked to Witchcraft beliefs and ritual sacrifice. Stop Witchcraft accusations, witch persecution, and ritual killing. Blood money is superstition. E no dey work. Pastors, stop witchcraft branding and stigmatization, it is a crime.”
Ibor was recently confirmed as Secretary of Cross River State Administration of Criminal Justice Monitoring Committee.