Pastor Sentenced to Death by Hanging for Killing Teenage Daughter Over Witchcraft Allegation
Pastor Sentenced to Death by Hanging for Killing Teenage Daughter Over Witchcraft Allegation
A High Court in Calabar has sentenced 51-year-old Apostle Ubong Bassey Etim to death by hanging after finding him guilty of murdering his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Etim.
Justice Blessing Egwu of High Court No. 11 delivered the judgment on Monday, ruling that the prosecution had established the charge of murder beyond a reasonable doubt.
According to court findings, the clergyman falsely accused his daughter, who was living with Down syndrome, of being a witch before taking her life. The incident drew widespread condemnation from child rights advocates and human rights organisations across Nigeria.
Following the verdict, the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) described the ruling as a significant milestone in the fight against the harmful practice of branding children as witches. In a statement signed by its Principal Counsel and Co-Founder, James Ibor, the organisation said the judgment sends a clear warning that anyone who abuses or kills children based on unfounded witchcraft accusations will be held accountable under the law.
The BRCI added that the conviction not only delivers justice for Deborah but also reinforces ongoing efforts to end violence, abuse, torture, abandonment, and killings linked to witchcraft allegations, particularly against children living with disabilities.
Source: vanguardngr.com
