A High Court in Calabar has sentenced Apostle Ubong Bassey Etim, 51, to death by hanging after finding him guilty of murdering his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah.
Justice Blessing Egwu ruled that prosecutors had established the murder charge beyond reasonable doubt, leading to the conviction of the clergyman.
The court heard that Etim killed his daughter, who had Down syndrome, after accusing her of witchcraft.
The case drew widespread condemnation from child rights and human rights advocates, who described the killing as part of the continued abuse faced by children; particularly those living with disabilities, because of false witchcraft allegations.
Reacting to the judgment, the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) welcomed the ruling, describing it as “a landmark victory in the campaign to protect children from witchcraft branding and related violence.”
The organisation said the decision delivers justice for Deborah and reinforces efforts to end harmful practices that leave children vulnerable to abuse, torture, abandonment and death.
