Pastor Ubong Bassey Etim Murders 16-Year-Old Daughter with Down Syndrome, Sentenced to Death

A High Court in Calabar, Cross River State, has sentenced 51-year-old pastor Ubong Bassey Etim to death by hanging for the murder of his 16-year-old daughter, who lived with Down syndrome, after falsely accusing her of witchcraft.

Justice Blessing Egwu of High Court No. 11 delivered the judgment on Monday, finding Etim guilty of murder after ruling that the prosecution had proved its case beyond reasonable doubt. The court heard that Deborah was killed on February 15, 2025, after her father accused her of witchcraft. The killing drew widespread condemnation and attention to the dangers of witchcraft accusations against children, particularly children living with disabilities, who are often among the most vulnerable to abuse.

This case also underlines the continued danger of witchcraft accusations against children in Nigeria. Over the years, organisations working on child protection have documented cases in which children, particularly those living with disabilities, have faced abuse, abandonment and other forms of violence after being labelled witches. Deborah’s killing is one of the latest cases to end in a criminal conviction.

Reacting to the judgment, the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) described the conviction as a significant step in efforts to end witchcraft branding and violence against children. The organisation said the verdict not only delivered justice but also sent a clear message that those who subject children to violence based on false accusations of witchcraft would be held accountable under the law. BRCI also commended the Cross River State Police Command, the state’s Ministry of Justice led by Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice Ededem Ani, the judiciary, and members of the prosecution team for their roles in securing the conviction after what it described as a thorough investigation and diligent prosecution. The organisation further acknowledged the support provided by Women Arise, Safe Child Africa, Project Alert and other partners, who offered financial and psychosocial assistance to the victim’s mother and siblings throughout the trial. 

The conviction brings an end to the criminal proceedings against Ubong Bassey Etim, but organisations that have worked on the case say it also reinforces the need for stronger child protection measures and greater awareness to challenge witchcraft accusations that continue to put children at risk.