Court Sentences Pastor to Death For Killing Teenage Daughter Over Witchcraft
A Cross River State High Court in Calabar has sentenced a 51-year-old pastor, Ubong Bassey Etim, to death by hanging for the murder of his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Bassey, who had Down Syndrome and was falsely accused of being a witch.
Delivering judgment yesterday, Justice Blessing Egwu found Etim guilty of murder, holding that the prosecution proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court subsequently sentenced him to death by hanging.
The court heard that the incident occurred on February 15, 2025, when Deborah was killed after her father allegedly branded her a witch.
The case sparked widespread condemnation from child rights advocates and organisations campaigning against witchcraft branding and violence against children.
Reacting to the judgment, the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) described the conviction as a landmark victory in the fight against witchcraft accusations and abuse of vulnerable children.
The organisation said the verdict not only delivered justice for Deborah but also sent a strong message that perpetrators of child abuse and harmful traditional practices would be held accountable under the law.
BRCI commended the Police, the Cross River State Ministry of Justice, led by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ededem Ani, and the judiciary for ensuring a thorough investigation, diligent prosecution and a fair trial.
It also praised the Director of Public Prosecutions, Okoi Ukam, prosecutors Patrick Usang and Deborah Tom, as well as Dr David Ushie of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, for their roles in securing the conviction.
The organisation further acknowledged the support of Women Arise, Safe Child Africa, Project Alert and other partners for providing financial and psychosocial support to Deborah’s mother and siblings throughout the trial.
Reaffirming its commitment to ending witchcraft branding, BRCI stressed that every child, regardless of disability or circumstance, has the right to life, dignity and protection from violence.
Source: The Guardian
Click the link Puretvonline.com | WhatsApp Channel to join the WhatsApp channel
Contact/WhatsApp: +233243201960 or manuelnkansah33@gmail.com
