Metro
Court sentences pastor to death for killing 16-year-old daughter accused of witchcraft in Calabar
A High Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State, has sentenced Apostle Ubong Bassey Etim, 51, to death by hanging for the murder of his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Bassey.
Justice Blessing Egwu of High Court No. 11 delivered the judgment after finding the cleric guilty of murder in the case State v. Ubong Bassey Etim (Suit No. HC/54C/2025).
According to reports, Deborah, who was living with Down syndrome, was allegedly accused of witchcraft before she was killed on February 15, 2025. The incident sparked nationwide outrage, with child rights and human rights organisations demanding justice for the teenager.
The Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), which supported the prosecution, described the judgment as a landmark victory for child protection and the fight against witchcraft branding.
Reacting to the verdict, BRCI’s Principal Counsel, James Ibor, said the ruling sends a clear message that violence against children under the guise of witchcraft accusations will not be tolerated.
The organisation noted that children living with disabilities remain among the most vulnerable to harmful traditional beliefs, false accusations, abuse, abandonment and even death.
BRCI also commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Cross River State Ministry of Justice, the Director of Public Prosecutions and other stakeholders for their roles in securing the conviction.
The judgment is expected to strengthen ongoing efforts by child rights advocates seeking stricter enforcement of laws against child abuse and witchcraft-related violence in Cross River State and across Nigeria.
Follow Us on Google Discover
CBN maintains benchmark interest rate at 26.5%
Ex-Kano Gov Kabiru Gaya returns to APC after closed-door meeting with Yilwatda
Atiku’s lobbyist submits Tinubu’s US forfeiture case records to Trump, Congress
‘I’d rather stay at home than work for APC,’ Fayose’s old statement resurfaces after Tinubu’s appointment
NSCDC busts fake university in Lagos, rescues 106 youths [Photos]
‘Please forgive us’ – Mutfwang apologises to Igbos over Plateau’s role during civil war
Insecurity: Tinubu okays establishment of new Army Battalion in Kwara
Super Eagles defender Benjamin Tanimu joins Singida Black Stars on two-year contract
BREAKING: FG to return 13 oil blocks to licensing basket after failing to attract investors
Court sentences pastor to death for killing 16-year-old daughter accused of witchcraft in Calabar
Tinubu/Shettima: Another Muslim-Muslim ticket not good for Nigeria says Kwankwaso
Jigawa governor finds top officials absent as surprise inspection uncovers locked offices at state secretariat
Former DSS director recounts Abacha’s final moments, claims ex-military ruler died of cardiac arrest during intimate encounter
INEC opens recruitment portal, invites applications for 2026 employment exercise [How to Apply]
Early morning fire guts 17 shops in Lagos market
INEC opens recruitment portal, invites applications for 2026 employment exercise [How to Apply]
BREAKING: Tinubu appoints Fayose REA chairman, names 25 others into boards, commissions [Full List]
BREAKING: Court grants Miyetti Allah President Bello Badejo ₦2bn bail
Unknown gunmen abduct COCIN Pastor’s wife, three children in Borno
BREAKING: Senegal’s President Faye elected new ECOWAS Chairman
ECOWAS okays Nigeria-Morocco gap pipeline project
Tinubu heads to AU, seeks action against xenophobic attacks on Nigerians in South Africa
2027: APC commences candidate upload on INEC portal
Former DSS director recounts Abacha’s final moments, claims ex-military ruler died of cardiac arrest during intimate encounter
BREAKING: ICPC quizzes Gbajabiamila over alleged role in PFIPC controversy
Kano Politics: ADC hands gubernatorial nomination form to Ibrahim Little
Peter Obi building movement of ‘political extremists’, not a threat to Tinubu — Bwala
Its Official: Andy Burnham appointed UK Prime Minister
Court grants ex-Warri Refinery MD Jimoh Yisawu ₦500m bail over alleged money laundering
