A High Court in Calabar, Cross River State, has sentenced 51-year-old Apostle Ubong Bassey to death by hanging for murdering his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Bassey, a child living with Down syndrome, after accusing her of witchcraft.
Delivering judgment on Monday in suit no. HC/54C/2025: State v. Ubong Bassey Etim, Justice Blessing Egwu of High Court No. 11 found the defendant guilty of murder.
The court heard that Deborah was killed on February 15, 2025, in her father’s home after he branded her a witch.
Prosecutors told the court the killing followed a pattern of abuse linked to superstitious beliefs. The prosecution led by the Cross River State Ministry of Justice proved the charge of murder beyond reasonable doubt.
The case drew nationwide condemnation from child rights and disability rights groups, who described it as one of the most extreme examples of violence against children with disabilities in Nigeria.
The Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, BRCI, which supported the prosecution, hailed the judgment as a landmark.
Principal Counsel and Co-Founder, James Ibor, said: “Today’s judgment sends a strong message that such acts are criminal and that perpetrators will be held fully accountable under the law. It reaffirms that every child, regardless of disability, has the right to life, dignity and protection.”
Ibor noted that Deborah’s death highlights the deadly consequences of witchcraft accusations, especially against children with disabilities, who are often targeted for abuse, abandonment and killing.
“BRCI will continue its campaign against witchcraft branding and child abuse across Cross River State until this practice ends,” he added.
BRCI commended the Nigeria Police Force, Attorney General Ededem Ani, Director of Public Prosecutions Okoi Ukam, prosecuting counsel Patrick Usang and Deborah Tom, and medical witnesses Dr. David Ushie of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital for their roles in securing the conviction.
The group also acknowledged Women Arise, Safe Child Africa, Project Alert and other partners for providing support to Deborah’s mother and siblings during the trial.
The conviction is the latest in a series of judgments in Cross River State involving violence linked to witchcraft accusations against children.
Advocacy groups say the ruling must be backed by stronger enforcement of the Child Rights Law and sustained public awareness to end the stigmatization and killing of vulnerable children.
Deborah’s death, they argued, should be the last of its kind.
The Conclave
