By Kelvin Ololo
The High Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State, presided by Hon. Justice Blessing Egwu sentenced 51-year-old Apostle Ubong Bassey Etim to death by hanging for the murder of his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Bassey.
The 16-year-old Deborah was said to have lived with Down Syndrome condition and was falsely accused of witchcraft and killed in February 15, 2025.
Delivering judgment in High Court number 11, in suit number HC/54c/2025 between State versus Ubong Bassey Etim, Justice Blessing Egwu found the defendant guilty of the offence of murder after considering the evidence presented before the court. The court subsequently imposed the statutory sentence of death by hanging.
The conviction brings to a close a case that drew widespread public concern and renewed calls for stronger action against the practice of witchcraft branding, particularly against vulnerable children and persons living with disabilities.
Reacting to the judgment, the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) described the verdict as a significant milestone in the pursuit of justice and the protection of children’s rights.
According to the organization, Deborah’s death underscored the devastating consequences of witchcraft accusations, which have continued to expose children in several communities to rejection, torture, abandonment and, in extreme cases, unlawful killings.
BRCI said the judgment sends a strong message that witchcraft branding and all forms of violence against children are criminal acts for which perpetrators will be held accountable under the law.
BRCI noted that the judgment goes beyond securing justice for Deborah, describing it as an important judicial affirmation of every child’s constitutional and legal right to life, dignity and protection.
The organization commended the Nigeria Police Force for its investigation and expressed appreciation to the Attorney General of Cross River State, Etubom Ededem Ani, for what it described as efforts to strengthen the state’s criminal justice system through improved prosecution of serious criminal offences.
It also praised the judiciary for demonstrating independence, diligence and impartiality in ensuring that justice was served.
The human rights organization acknowledged the contributions of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Okoi Ukam, alongside Patrick Usang, Esq., Rajunor Tom, Esq., and Dr. David Ushie of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, whose professional roles were instrumental during the prosecution.
In addition, BRCI recognized the support provided by Women Arise, Safe Child Africa, Project Alert, Etinosa Yvonne, and members of the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative for standing by Deborah’s mother and siblings through financial assistance and psychosocial support throughout the trial.
Reaffirming its commitment to child protection, BRCI pledged to continue advocating against witchcraft branding and other harmful traditional practices affecting children.
They maintained that it would sustain efforts to ensure that perpetrators of child abuse are prosecuted and that every child is protected from harmful accusations, violence and discrimination.
Human Rights activists have expressed that the judgment is expected to serve as a significant judicial precedent in reinforcing the rule of law and strengthening the campaign against witchcraft branding and other forms of violence directed at children in Cross River State and across Nigeria.
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