Justice Blessing Ewu of High Court No. 11, Calabar, has sentenced Apostle Ubong Bassey Etim to death by hanging for the murder of his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Bassey. The court heard that Etim falsely accused his daughter, who had Down syndrome, of witchcraft before killing her. Delivering the judgement on Monday, Justice Ewu held that the prosecution proved the charge of murder against the clergyman beyond reasonable doubt. Daily Trust reports that Deborah’s death sparked outrage among child rights and human rights groups. The groups condemned the killing as another tragic consequence of witchcraft accusations against children, particularly those living with disabilities. Reacting in a statement signed by its Principal Counsel and Co-Founder, James Ibor, the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) described the conviction as a landmark victory in the campaign to protect children from witchcraft branding and related violence. The organisation said the verdict sends a strong message that anyone who subjects children to violence or death based on false witchcraft allegations will face the full weight of the law. It commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Cross River State Ministry of Justice, the judiciary and other stakeholders for their roles in securing the conviction.
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