Down syndrome: Pastor to die by hanging for killing 16-year-old daughter

A High Court in Calabar has sentenced a 51-year-old pastor, Apostle Ubong Bassey Etim, to death by hanging for the murder of his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Bassey.

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 murdering his daughter on February 15, 2025.

Deborah, who was living with Down syndrome, was reportedly branded a witch before she was killed, a development that has renewed concerns over the abuse of children with disabilities and harmful traditional practices.

Reacting to the judgment, the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), which supported the prosecution, described the verdict as a significant victory for child rights and justice.

The Principal Counsel of BRCI, James Ibor, said the judgment was not only justice for Deborah but also a strong warning against witchcraft-related violence.

“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 added that the case “reinforces the fundamental principle that every child has the right to life, dignity and protection.”

He noted that Deborah’s death highlighted the dangers of witchcraft accusations against children, particularly those living with disabilities, saying the practice often results in rejection, abuse, abandonment and death.

“We will continue to work tirelessly until every child is free from harmful accusations, abuse and violence. We will sustain our campaign against witchcraft branding and child abuse across the state,” he said.

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

The judgment adds to a growing number of convictions in Cross River State involving witchcraft-related violence against children, as child rights groups continue to push for stricter enforcement of child protection laws and greater public awareness to end the stigmatisation of children, especially those living with disabilities.