Court sentences pastor to death for killing daughter over alleged witchcraft

Court sentences pastor to death for killing daughter over alleged witchcraft

A Cross River State High Court sitting in Calabar has sentenced Apostle Ubong Bassey Etim to death by hanging for the murder of his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Bassey, after falsely accusing her of witchcraft.

Justice Blessing Egwu of High Court No. 11 delivered the judgment on Monday, holding that the prosecution proved the offence of murder beyond reasonable doubt and established the defendant’s guilt through credible evidence presented during the trial.

The verdict brings to a close a case that attracted widespread national attention and condemnation from child rights advocates, disability rights groups and civil society organisations, who described the killing as a tragic consequence of harmful witchcraft accusations against children, particularly those living with disabilities.

According to evidence presented before the court, Deborah Bassey, who was living with Down syndrome, was repeatedly accused of being a witch by her father before she was eventually killed. Prosecutors argued that the accusations were baseless and driven by superstition rather than any factual evidence.

In delivering judgment, Justice Egwu ruled that the prosecution successfully established all the essential ingredients of the offence of murder, leaving no reasonable doubt as to the defendant’s culpability. The court subsequently imposed the death sentence prescribed under the applicable provisions of the law.

The judgment has been welcomed by child protection advocates, who say it sends a strong message that perpetrators of violence against children will be held accountable regardless of their social or religious status.

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Reacting to the ruling, the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) described the conviction as a landmark victory in the fight against child abuse, witchcraft branding and violence targeting vulnerable children.

In a statement signed by its Principal Counsel and Co-Founder, James Ibor, the organisation said the judgment represents a significant milestone in efforts to eliminate the dangerous practice of accusing children of witchcraft.

According to BRCI, the verdict not only delivers justice for Deborah but also reinforces the principle that every child has the constitutional right to life, dignity and protection from abuse.

The organisation said the decision should serve as a warning to individuals who continue to subject children to torture, abandonment or death based on false accusations of witchcraft.

BRCI commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Cross River State Ministry of Justice, the judiciary, prosecutors, investigators and other stakeholders whose efforts contributed to the successful prosecution of the case.

The group also reaffirmed its commitment to protecting vulnerable children and pledged to intensify advocacy against witchcraft accusations, child abuse and discrimination affecting children living with disabilities.

Child rights advocates have repeatedly expressed concern over the continued stigmatisation of children with developmental or intellectual disabilities in some communities, where myths and superstitions have occasionally resulted in abuse, abandonment and even killings.

Experts emphasise that Down syndrome is a naturally occurring genetic condition caused by the presence of an extra copy of chromosome 21. Medical professionals have consistently stated that the condition has no connection with supernatural beliefs or witchcraft and have urged families to seek appropriate healthcare, education and social support for affected children.

The case has also renewed calls for stronger enforcement of Nigeria’s Child Rights Act and related child protection laws enacted by various states, which prohibit abuse, neglect, discrimination and all forms of violence against children.

Legal analysts say the conviction reinforces the judiciary’s commitment to protecting vulnerable persons and ensuring that offences involving children are prosecuted without fear or favour.

Advocates are also urging governments, religious institutions, traditional leaders and community organisations to increase public awareness about disability rights and child protection while discouraging harmful beliefs that expose children to violence.

The judgment is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts by law enforcement agencies and child protection organisations to combat witchcraft-related violence and ensure justice for victims across Nigeria.

Court sentences pastor to death for killing daughter over alleged witchcraft