For terminating the life of his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Bassey, after falsely accusing her of being a witch, her father, 51-year-old pastor Ubong Bassey Etim, has been sentenced to death by hanging in Cross River State.
Justice Blessing Egwu of the State High Court sitting in.Calabar handed down the judgment on Monday.
The court held that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt and ordered that the convict be executed by hanging.
On February 15, 2025, Deborah, a child with Down syndrome, was killed by her father following witchcraft allegations.
The brutal incident sparked widespread condemnation from child rights groups.
Reacting to the death sentence, the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) called the ruling a pivotal triumph against witchcraft-related abuse.
BRCI noted that beyond securing justice for Deborah, the judgment sends an unequivocal message that faith-based violence against children will not go unpunished.
BRCI commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Cross River State Ministry of Justice, led by Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Ededem Ani, and the judiciary for ensuring a diligent investigation, fair trial and successful prosecution of the case.Nigerian politics analysis
Acknowledging the legal and medical efforts behind the verdict, the organization commended DPP Okoi Ukam, prosecutors Patrick Usang and Deborah Tom, and Dr. David Ushie from the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for their decisive contributions to the case.
Furthermore, BRCI extended appreciation to Women Arise, Safe Child Africa, Project Alert, and allied partners for supplying continuous financial and psychological aid to Deborah’s surviving mother and siblings throughout legal proceedings.
Reassuring the public of its dedication to child rights, BRCI affirmed it will persist in combating harmful superstitious practices, reinforcing that all children—regardless of physical or intellectual disability—are entitled to fundamental human rights and legal protection.