21.7.2026
Ubong Bassey Etim a 51-year-old pastor has been sentence to death by hanging after being convicted by a High Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State for killing his own child.
Pastor Bassey Etim was accused of murdering his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Bassey who is suffering from down syndrome, after falsely accusing her of being a witch.
Justice Blessing Egwu of High Court No. 11 delivered the judgment on Monday, finding Etim guilty of murder, which occurred on February 15, 2025.
The case drew widespread condemnation from child rights advocates and organisations campaigning against witchcraft accusations and violence against children.
Reacting to the judgment, the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) described the verdict as a landmark victory in the fight against witchcraft branding and abuse of vulnerable children.
The organisation said the judgment not only delivered justice for Deborah but also sent a clear message that those who subject children to violence under the guise of witchcraft beliefs will face the full weight of the law.
BRCI commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Cross River State Ministry of Justice, led by Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Ededem Ani, and the judiciary for ensuring a diligent investigation, fair trial and successful prosecution of the case.