Justice has finally been served in the heartbreaking murder of 16-year-old Deborah Bassey, a teenager living with Down syndrome who was allegedly branded a witch and killed by her own father in Cross River State.
A High Court sitting in Calabar has sentenced 51-year-old Apostle Ubong Bassey Etim to death by hanging after finding him guilty of murdering his daughter. The judgment was delivered by Justice Blessing Egwu in Suit No. HC/54C/2025, marking the end of a case that attracted widespread attention across the state and beyond.
According to evidence presented before the court, Deborah was falsely accused of witchcraft before she was killed on February 15, 2025. The teenager, who was living with Down syndrome, became a victim of harmful beliefs and false accusations that eventually led to her death. After reviewing the evidence, the court ruled that the prosecution had proved the charge of murder beyond reasonable doubt and sentenced the defendant to death by hanging, the punishment prescribed by law for the offence.
The judgment has been described as a major victory for justice and child protection advocates. The Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), which followed the case closely, welcomed the verdict, saying it sends a strong warning that anyone who brands children as witches or carries out violence against them will face the full weight of the law. The organisation noted that Deborah's death exposed the dangers of witchcraft accusations, which continue to lead to rejection, torture, abandonment and even the killing of vulnerable children in some communities.
BRCI also praised the Nigeria Police Force for conducting the investigation that led to the successful prosecution of the case. The group commended the Cross River State Attorney General, Etubom Ededem Ani, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Okoi Ukam, and other members of the prosecution team for ensuring that justice was achieved. It equally appreciated the judiciary for handling the matter with fairness and independence.
The organisation further acknowledged the support provided by Women Arise, Safe Child Africa, Project Alert, medical experts from the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital, and other partners who stood by Deborah's mother and siblings throughout the trial by providing legal, financial and psychosocial support.
Human rights advocates believe the judgment will serve as a strong warning against the continued practice of branding children as witches and abusing persons living with disabilities. They expressed hope that the ruling will encourage more victims and families to seek justice while reinforcing the protection of children's rights across Cross River State and Nigeria.
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