Pastor Sentenced to Death for Killing Daughter Accused of Witchcraft
Korede Abdullah 
CALABAR, Nigeria — A Cross River State High Court 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 witchcraft.
Justice Blessing Egwu delivered the judgment on Monday in Calabar, ruling that the prosecution proved the charge of murder beyond reasonable doubt.
The court heard that Deborah was killed on 15 February 2025 after her father allegedly accused her of being a witch.
Reacting to the judgment, the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) described the conviction as a landmark victory against the abuse of vulnerable children and harmful traditional practices.
The organisation said the verdict delivers justice for Deborah while sending a clear warning that perpetrators of child abuse and witchcraft-related violence will be prosecuted under the law.
“The conviction is a landmark victory in the fight against witchcraft accusations and abuse of vulnerable children,” the organisation said.
BRCI commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Cross River State Ministry of Justice, led by Attorney-General Ededem Ani, and the judiciary for conducting a thorough investigation and ensuring a diligent prosecution.
The organisation 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 contributions to the case.
It further acknowledged the support of Women Arise, Safe Child Africa, Project Alert, and other partners for providing financial and psychosocial assistance to Deborah’s mother and siblings throughout the trial.
BRCI reaffirmed its commitment to ending the practice of branding children as witches, stressing that every child—regardless of disability or circumstance—deserves protection, dignity and the right to life.
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Otamere Gladness 
Hussaini Ibrahim 
