Court Delivers Death Sentence in Witchcraft-Related Killing
Justice Blessing Egwu of the Cross River State High Court No. 11 in Calabar on Monday sentenced Pastor Ubong Etim to death by hanging for the murder of his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Bassey. The teenager, who had Down syndrome, was falsely accused of being a witch. The court ruled that the prosecution proved its case beyond a reasonable doubt, according to lawyer James Ibor, who announced the verdict in a Facebook statement.
Outrage Following Brutal Killing in February 2025
The murder occurred on 15 February 2025 and sparked widespread outrage among child rights advocates and organisations campaigning against witchcraft branding and violence against children with disabilities. The Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), which supported the prosecution, hailed the judgement as a landmark victory. Mr Ibor, principal counsel and co-founder of BRCI, stated that the verdict sends a strong message that violence committed under the guise of witchcraft accusations will no longer go unpunished.
“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 organisation said. BRCI noted that false accusations of witchcraft have led to rejection, torture, abandonment and killing of children in many Nigerian communities.
Landmark Ruling Against Witchcraft Branding
“This judgement 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,” the statement added. BRCI commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Cross River State Ministry of Justice under Attorney General Ededem Ani, and the judiciary for diligent investigation, prosecution and trial. It also praised Director of Public Prosecutions Okoi Ukam, prosecutors Rajunor Tom and Patrick Usang, and David Ushie of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for their roles in securing the conviction.
Support for Victim’s Family
The organisation acknowledged support from Women Arise, Safe Child Africa, Project Alert, Etinosa Yvonne and other partners who provided financial and psychosocial support to Deborah’s mother and siblings throughout the trial.
Wider Crisis of Witchcraft Accusations in Cross River
Deborah’s killing is the latest in a series of cases highlighting the deadly consequences of witchcraft allegations in Cross River. Rights advocates say vulnerable children, women and persons with disabilities continue to face persecution fuelled by superstition and religious extremism. In June, PREMIUM TIMES reported how a middle-aged woman, Grace Ekoi, was brutally beaten during a church crusade in Onyadama Community, Obubra Local Government Area, after a preacher publicly labelled her a witch. In 2024, a coalition of civil society organisations launched a coordinated campaign across Cross River communities to combat witchcraft branding, warning that false accusations fuel torture, forced displacement, killings and discrimination.
Rare Conviction Amidst Systemic Failures
This newspaper reported a fatal case in 2023 involving a woman accused of witchcraft who was lynched by a mob in Akamkpa Local Government Area. Despite public outrage and police manhunts, rights groups argue that many such cases rarely end in successful prosecution. Against that backdrop, Monday’s judgement stands out as one of the few cases where a suspect accused of killing someone over witchcraft allegations has been convicted. Child protection advocates say the ruling could strengthen efforts to deter similar attacks and reassure victims that the justice system can hold perpetrators accountable. “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,” Mr Ibor said.
