A Cross River State High Court sitting in Calabar has sentenced a 51-year-old clergyman, Apostle Ubong Bassey Etim, to death by hanging for murdering
A Cross River State High Court sitting in Calabar has sentenced a 51-year-old clergyman, Apostle Ubong Bassey Etim, to death by hanging for murdering his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Bassey.
Justice Blessing Egwu delivered the judgment, finding Etim guilty of murder after ruling that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt, and the court subsequently sentenced him to death by hanging.
The case was registered as suit number HC/54c/2025, State v. Ubong Bassey Etim, and was heard before High Court No. 11 in Calabar.
According to reports, the killing took place on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at about 4 p.m., at a residence off Eyo Edem in Calabar South Local Government Area, leaving neighbours in shock.
Deborah had Down syndrome, and her father had falsely accused her of being a witch before killing her. He reportedly fled the scene afterwards before police later arrested him to stand trial.
The case sparked widespread condemnation from child rights advocates and organisations campaigning against witchcraft branding and violence against children.
The Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), which supported the prosecution, described the judgment as both justice for Deborah and a milestone in the fight against harmful traditional practices targeting vulnerable children.
BRCI’s Principal Counsel, James Ibor, said the ruling reinforces the principle that every child has a right to life, dignity and protection, adding that it sends a strong message that such acts are criminal and perpetrators will be held fully accountable under the law.
Ibor also noted that across many communities, false witchcraft accusations have led to rejection, abandonment, and sometimes the killing of innocent children, particularly those living with disabilities.
He further commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Cross River State Attorney General, and the judiciary for their roles in ensuring the case reached this outcome, and vowed BRCI would continue campaigning against witchcraft branding and child abuse across the state.
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