By Frank Ulom
A Cross River State High Court No. 11 sitting in Calabar, today, convicted a pastor, Apostle Ubong Bassey Etim, to death by hanging for the murder of his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Bassey, a child with Down syndrome who was falsely accused of being a witch.
The Court, presided over by Hon. Justice Blessing Egwu, found the defendant (Apostle Ubong Bassey Etim) guilty of murder and sentenced him to death by hanging.
Converseer reports that the defendant committed the crime on Saturday, February 15, 2025, at about 4 p.m. at No. 7 Jacob Street off Eyo Edem, Calabar South Local Government Area of the state, leaving neighbours in shock.
After committing the crime, Ubong took to his heels before the police later arrested him to stand trial.
Before the incident, Apostle Ubong was reported to have previously accused the deceased of being a witch and a snake.
According to an account provided by the deceased’s younger brother, Master Bassey, the girl died at the hands of their father after slipping and falling on the floor while returning from disposing of her faeces. He explained that he had gone to help his sister with the task, but their father insisted she do it herself. When she fell, he called their father for assistance.
Master Bassey recounted that Apostle Ubong entered the room and ordered him to leave while he attended to his daughter. After a prolonged period, the father called the children back into the room and announced that their sister had passed away.
The convict’s estranged wife, who has been engaged in a custody battle with him over their three children, claimed this was not the first incident of violence in the household.
“We (mother and children, including the deceased) have suffered severe physical abuse, which led to my running away,” she alleged. She further urged well-meaning Nigerians to ensure her daughter gets justice, highlighting the long history of abuse suffered at the hands of Apostle Ubong.
Commenting on the judgment, James Ibor, Esq., Principal Counsel and Co-Founder of Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), said, “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.”
Adding, “Across many communities, false accusations of witchcraft have resulted in rejection, torture, abandonment, and even the killing of innocent children. Today’s judgment sends a strong message that such acts are criminal and that perpetrators will be held fully accountable under the law.
“This judgment 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.”
Ibor and his organisation, who secured the conviction, expressed sincere appreciation to the Nigeria Police Force; the Attorney-General of Cross River State, Etubom Ededem Ani, for repositioning the Ministry of Justice and strengthening the prosecution of serious criminal cases; and the Judiciary for its unwavering commitment, diligence, and impartiality in ensuring that justice was served.
“We also extend our profound gratitude to Mr Okoi Ukam, the learned Director of Public Prosecutions; Rajunor Tom, Esq.; Patrick Usang, Esq.; and Dr David Ushie of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) for their professionalism, dedication, and invaluable contributions to securing justice.
“Our heartfelt appreciation also goes to our partners: Women Arise, Safe Child Africa, Project Alert, Etinosa Yvonne, and the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative team, for standing with Deborah’s mother and siblings by providing financial assistance and psychosocial support to the survivors of this horrific crime,” Ibor commended.
Converseer reports that BRCI remains steadfast in its commitment to ending witchcraft branding, protecting children from violence, and ensuring that perpetrators of child abuse are brought to justice.
The organisation has secured the conviction of six rapists in the past six months.
