Court Sentences Pastor to Death for Killing 16 Year Old Daughter Over Witchcraft Allegation

A High Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State, 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.

Delivering judgment on Monday, Justice Blessing Egwu of High Court No. 11 held that the prosecution proved the charge of murder beyond reasonable doubt and convicted the clergyman accordingly.

Deborah, who lived with Down syndrome, was reportedly killed by her father following the false allegation. The incident had sparked widespread condemnation from child rights and human rights organisations, which described it as another tragic case of violence arising from witchcraft accusations against children, particularly those living with disabilities.

Reacting to the judgment, the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, BRCI, described the conviction as a landmark victory in the fight against witchcraft branding and violence against children. In a statement signed by its Principal Counsel and Co Founder, James Ibor, the organisation said the verdict sends a strong message that perpetrators of violence against children will be held accountable.

The organisation added that the judgment not only delivered justice for Deborah Bassey but also reinforces efforts to eliminate harmful practices that expose children to abuse, torture, abandonment, and death. It reaffirmed its commitment to protecting vulnerable children and advocating for an end to witchcraft related violence.