Pastor sentenced to death for killing daughter over witchcraft claim

A High Court in Calabar, Cross River State, has sentenced 51-year-old Apostle Ubong Bassey 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 in suit number HC/54C/2025, State v. Ubong Bassey Etim, after finding the defendant guilty of murder.

The court heard that Deborah was killed on February 15, 2025, after her father accused her of witchcraft.

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

The case drew attention from child rights and human rights groups, who condemned the killing and called for stronger protection for children living with disabilities.

Reacting to the judgment, the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), which supported the prosecution, described the verdict as justice for Deborah and a step in efforts to end witchcraft branding and violence against children.

Principal Counsel and Co-Founder of BRCI James Ibor said the judgment reaffirmed that every child has the right to life, dignity and protection.

“Today’s judgment sends a strong message that such acts are criminal and that perpetrators will be held fully accountable under the law,” he said.

Ibor said Deborah’s death highlighted the dangers of witchcraft accusations, particularly for children living with disabilities, noting that such claims often lead to abuse, abandonment and death.

He added that the organisation would continue its campaign against witchcraft branding and child abuse across Cross River State.

BRCI also commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Cross River State Ministry of Justice, Attorney General Ededem Ani, the Director of Public Prosecutions Okoi Ukam, prosecuting counsel Patrick Usang and Deborah Tom and Dr. David Ushie of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for their roles in securing the conviction.

The organisation also acknowledged the support of Women Arise, Safe Child Africa, Project Alert and other partners for providing assistance to Deborah’s mother and siblings during the trial.

The conviction adds to a series of court judgments in Cross River State involving violence linked to witchcraft accusations against children, as advocacy groups continue to call for stronger enforcement of child protection laws and public awareness to end the practice.