Court sentences pastor to death for killing his daughter over alleged witchcraft, while two other men are to die by handing for rape and murder
Chinedu Oguh, Port Harcourt
A High Court in Calabar, Cross River has sentenced Apostle Ubong Bassey Etim has to death by hanging for murdering his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Bassey over alleged witchcraft.
Etim was sentenced on Monday, July 20, 2026 by High Court No 11, presided over by Justice Blessing Egwu. It was gathered that Pastor Etim killed Deborah, who had Down’s Syndrome, after she slipped and fell, while disposing her excreta on February 15, 2025 in their residence at No 7 Jacob Street, off Eyo Edem, Calabar South Local Government Area. The Pastor had earlier alleged that the deceased was a witch and a snake.
Tentacle learnt that the conviction was secured by the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), a Non-Governmental Organization (NGO) working to protect the rights of women and children.
Commenting on the judgment, Principal Counsel of BRCI, James Ibor, commended the parties involved for ensuring that the victim gets justice.
Ibor pointed out that Deborah’s death highlights the dangers of witchcraft branding which targets children, particularly those with disabilities, saying, “Deborah’s tragic death exposed the devastating consequences of witchcraft branding, a harmful practice that continues to endanger the lives of children particularly children living with disabilities.
“In many communities, false accusations of witchcraft have resulted in rejection, torture, abandonment and even the killing of innocent children. Today’s judgment sends a strong message that such acts are criminal and that perpetrators will be held fully accountable under the law.”
He further stated that the judgment was not only justice for Deborah, but also a significant milestone in the ongoing fight to end witchcraft branding and other harmful practices against children, adding, “It re-reinforces the fundamental principle that every child has the right to life, dignity and protection.”
Basic Rights Counsel Initiative expresses its sincere appreciation to the Nigeria Police Force, the Attorney-General of Cross River State, Etubon Ededem Ani for repositioning the Ministry of Justice and strengthening the prosecution of serious criminal cases and the judiciary for its unwavering commitment, diligence and impartiality in ensuring that justice was served.
Basic Rights Counsel Initiative also commended Okoi Ukam, the Director of Public Prosecutions, Patrick Usang, Deborah Tom and Dr. David Ushie of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) for their professionalism, dedication and invaluable contributions to securing justice.
“We also appreciate our partners, Women Arise, Safe Child Africa, Project Alert, Ethnos & Yvonne and the BRCI team for standing with Deborah’s mother and her siblings for their financial assistance, as well as psychosocial support to the survivors of this crime,” it said.
It further stated that BRCI remains steadfast in its commitment to ending witchcraft branding, protecting children from violence and ensuring that perpetrators of child abuse are held accountable and brought to justice.
“The campaign against witchcraft branding is gaining momentum, and we will continue to work tirelessly until every child is free from harmful accusations, abuse and violence.”
Describing how Deborah died, her brother, Bassey said at around 4:00pm, he went to open the door where his sister was locked up to assist her dispose her excreta. But their father insisted she dispose it herself. She did and on her way back to the room, slipped and fell on the floor.
Bassey said he called their father, who on entering the room, asked him to leave while he attended to her. The children were shocked that after a long while their father called them into his room and announced to them that their elder sister had passed on.
Apostle Ubong’s estranged wife, who had been locked in custody with the suspect over their three children, affirmed that the incident was not the first act of violence, adding, “We have suffered severe physical abuse leading to my decision to run away.”
In a related development, the Anambra State High Court sitting in Ogidi Judicial Division has sentenced Elochukwu Belonwu and Chukwuebuka to death by hanging for conspiracy, rape and murder of 17-year-old girl, Jennifer Anene.
The presiding judge, Justice U.L. Ndigwe delivered the judgment in a suit marked HID/23C/2021 on Friday, July 17, 2026, stating that the prosecution had proved the three counts against the two defendants beyond reasonable doubt.
Leading the prosecution, Principal State Counsel, Florence Abadom-Igweike, told the court that the deceased, who was said to be mentally impaired, was reported missing on November 25, 2020 by her grandfather, Elder Pius Anene.
Abadom-Igweike said that three days later, the first defendant’s wife told the family that she witnessed her husband and others sexually assaulting the deceased as she screamed for help.
According to her, when confronted, the first defendant denied the allegation and claimed he had last seen the deceased in the company of the second defendant. She said a mutual friend of the defendants identified only as Akpuchukwu, who later brought the deceased home unconscious and fled the scene, remains at large.
The prosecution counsel said the victim was rushed to the hospital on police instruction but was confirmed dead on arrival.
Abadom-Igweike added that a post-mortem examination revealed bruises, vaginal tears and other signs of aggravated sexual assault.
She said two witnesses, the victim’s grandfather and the Investigating Police Officer (IPO) testified for the prosecution while the post-mortem report, police investigation report and photographic evidence were also tendered in court. The defendants, who testified in their own defence, denied the allegations.
Delivering the judgment, Justice Ndigwe held that the evidence before the court established the guilt of both defendants on all counts and sentenced them to death by hanging.
