Reacting to the judgment, the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) said the verdict represents not only justice for Deborah but also a significant step towards ending the stigmatisation and persecution of children accused of witchcraft.
By TheInvestigator
A High Court sitting in Calabar has sentenced a 51-year-old cleric, Apostle Ubong Bassey Etim, to death by hanging for the murder of his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Bassey, a child living with Down syndrome who was falsely accused of being a witch.
The judgment was delivered on Saturday, February 15, 2025, in suit HC/54c/2025, State vs Ubong Bassey Etim, by Justice Blessing Egwu of High Court No. 11, Calabar, who found the defendant guilty of murder after reviewing the evidence presented during the trial.
Deborah’s death sparked widespread outrage among child rights advocates and renewed calls for stronger action against the practice of witchcraft branding, which has continued to expose children, particularly those living with disabilities, to abuse, torture, abandonment and death in some communities.
The conviction has been described as a landmark victory in the fight against harmful traditional practices and violence against children, with stakeholders saying it reinforces the constitutional right of every child to life, dignity and protection.
Reacting to the judgment, the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) said the verdict represents not only justice for Deborah but also a significant step towards ending the stigmatisation and persecution of children accused of witchcraft.
The organisation noted that the judgment sends a clear message that perpetrators of such crimes will be prosecuted and held accountable under the law.
BRCI commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Cross River State Ministry of Justice under the leadership of the Attorney General, Etubom Ededem Ani, and the Judiciary for their commitment to ensuring justice was served.
The organisation also acknowledged the efforts of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr Okoi Ukam; Patrick Usang, Esq; Deborah Tom, Esq; and Dr David Ushie of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for their professional roles in securing the conviction.
It further expressed appreciation to its partners, including Women Arise, Safe Child Africa, Project Alert, Etinosa Yvonne, and members of the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, for providing financial and psychosocial support to Deborah’s mother and surviving siblings throughout the trial.
