A Cross River State sitting in Calabar has sentenced a 51-year-old apostle, 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.

Justice Blessing Egwu of High Court No. 11 delivered the judgment yesterday finding Etim guilty of murder and ordering that he be executed by hanging.

The court heard that the incident occurred on February 15, 2025, when Deborah was killed after being branded a witch, a case that sparked outrage among child rights advocates and organisations campaigning against witchcraft branding.

The prosecution was said to have established the charge of murder beyond reasonable doubt, leading to the conviction and sentence.

Reacting to the judgment, the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) described the conviction as a landmark victory in the fight against witchcraft branding and violence against children.

The organisation said the verdict was not only justice for Deborah but also a strong warning that perpetrators of child abuse and harmful traditional practices would be held accountable under the law.

BRCI commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Cross River State Ministry of Justice under the leadership of the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ededem Ani, and the judiciary for ensuring 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 contributions to 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 assistance to Deborah’s mother and siblings throughout the trial.

BRCI reaffirmed its commitment to ending witchcraft branding and protecting children from violence, stressing that every child has the right to life, dignity and protection, regardless of disability or circumstance.