Apostle Ubong Bassey Etim, a pastor, has been convicted and sentenced to death by hanging for the murder of his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Bassey, whom he accused of witchcraft in Calabar, Cross River State. The sentence was handed down on Monday, July 20, 2026, by High Court No. 11, presided over by Hon. Justice Blessing Egwu.
Details of the Crime
Etim killed Deborah, who suffered from Down syndrome, after she slipped and fell while disposing of her faeces on February 15, 2025, at their residence at No. 7 Jacob Street off Eyo Edem, Calabar South LGA. The pastor had earlier alleged that the deceased was a witch and a snake.
Role of Basic Rights Counsel Initiative
The conviction was secured by the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), a non-governmental organisation protecting the rights of women and children. Commenting on the judgment, James Ibor, Esq., Principal Counsel of BRCI, lauded all parties involved for ensuring the victim gets justice. According to Ibor, Deborah's death highlights the dangers of witchcraft branding which targets children, particularly those with disabilities.
“Deborah’s tragic death exposed the devastating consequences of witchcraft branding, a harmful practice that continues to endanger the lives of children, particularly children living with disabilities,” the lawyer said. “Across many communities, false accusations of witchcraft have resulted in rejection, torture, abandonment, and even the killing of innocent children. Today’s judgment sends a strong message that such acts are criminal and that perpetrators will be held fully accountable under the law. This judgment is not only justice for Deborah; it is also a significant milestone in the ongoing fight to end witchcraft branding and other harmful practices against children. It reinforces the fundamental principle that every child has the right to life, dignity, and protection.”
Acknowledgments and Support
Basic Rights Counsel Initiative expressed sincere appreciation to the Nigeria Police Force; the Honourable Attorney General of Cross River State, Etubom Ededem Ani, for repositioning the Ministry of Justice and strengthening the prosecution of serious criminal cases; and the Judiciary for its unwavering commitment, diligence, and impartiality in ensuring that justice was served. The organisation also extended profound gratitude to Mr. Okoi Ukam, the learned Director of Public Prosecutions; Patrick Usang, Esq.; Deborah Tom, Esq.; and Dr. David Ushie of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) for their professionalism, dedication, and invaluable contributions to securing justice.
Heartfelt appreciation also went to partners: Women Arise, Safe Child Africa, Project Alert, Etinosa Yvonne, and the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative team, for standing with Deborah’s mother and siblings by providing financial assistance and psychosocial support to the survivors of this horrific crime. “Basic Rights Counsel Initiative remains steadfast in its commitment to ending witchcraft branding, protecting children from violence, and ensuring that perpetrators of child abuse are brought to justice. The campaign against witchcraft branding is gaining momentum, and we will continue to work tirelessly until every child is free from harmful accusations, abuse, and violence,” Ibor added.
Eyewitness Account
Describing how Deborah died, her brother Bassey said that at around 4pm, he went to open the door where his sister was locked up to assist her in disposing of her faeces. But their father insisted she dispose of it herself. She did and, on her way back to the room, slipped and fell on the floor. Bassey called their father, who on entering the room, asked him to leave while he attended to her. The children were shocked when, after a long while, their father called them into the room and announced that their elder sister had passed away.
History of Abuse
According to Apostle Ubong's estranged wife, who had been locked in a custody battle with the suspect over their three children, this was not the first act of violence. “We have suffered severe physical abuses leading to my running away,” she said.
