By Akpan Udo-Inyang
CALABAR -A High Court in Calabar, Cross Cross River State,presided over by Justice Blessing Egwu on Monday, sentenced Apostle Ubong Bassey Etim to death by hanging for the murder of his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah , a teenager with the Down Syndrome(DS).
Egwu found the defendant guilty of murder after the conclusion of the trial even as little Deborah was falsely accused of witchcraftcy.
Deborah’s killing, had drawn widespread condemnation from child rights advocates and human rights organizations who have described the case as a stark reminder of the dangers of witchcraft accusations against children, particularly those living with disabilities.
Reacting to the judgment, the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) described the conviction as a landmark victory for child protection and the fight against witchcraft branding.
In a statement signed by its Principal Counsel and Co-Founder, James Ibor, the organization said the ruling sends a strong message that perpetrators of violence arising from false witchcraft accusations will be held accountable under the law.
According to the organization, the judgment represents not only justice for Deborah but also a significant step in efforts to eradicate harmful traditional practices that expose children to abuse, torture, abandonment and death.
“The judgment reinforces the fundamental principle that every child has the right to life, dignity and protection,” the statement said.
The BRCI commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Cross River State Ministry of Justice under the leadership of the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Etubom Ededem Ani, and the judiciary for their commitment to ensuring justice in the case.
The organization also acknowledged the contributions of the Director of Public Prosecutions, Mr. Okoi Ukam; Patrick Usang and Deborah Tom, all lawyers as well as Dr. David Ushie of the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital (UCTH) for their roles in the successful prosecution.
It further appreciated its partners, including Women Arise, Safe Child Africa, Project Alert, Etinosa Yvonne, and members of the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, for providing financial and psychosocial support to Deborah’s mother and siblings throughout the trial.
Reaffirming its commitment to protecting vulnerable children, the BRCI pledged to continue advocating against witchcraft branding and other forms of violence against children while working to ensure that offenders are brought to justice.
The organization noted that the campaign against witchcraft branding is gathering momentum and vowed to sustain efforts until every child is free from harmful accusations, abuse and violence.