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Justice Blessing Egwu of High Court No. 11 in Calabar has convicted Ubong Bassey Etim for the murder of Deborah, bringing an end to a case that has drawn national attention to the dangers of witchcraft accusations and the abuse of children living with disabilities.
Delivering judgment in Suit No. HC/54C/2025, the court found the defendant guilty of murder, a decision widely welcomed by child rights advocates.
Reacting to the verdict, the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI), which supported the prosecution, described the judgment as a major victory for justice and a significant step in the fight against harmful traditional practices that put vulnerable children at risk.
The organisation’s Principal Counsel, James Ibor, said the ruling was not only justice for Deborah but also a strong reminder that every child has the right to life, dignity and protection under the law. He stressed that the judgment sends a clear warning that anyone involved in violence linked to witchcraft accusations will be held accountable.
Ibor noted that Deborah’s death exposed the devastating impact of witchcraft branding, a practice that continues to endanger many children, especially those living with disabilities, often leading to rejection, abuse, abandonment and, in some cases, death.He reaffirmed BRCI’s commitment to ending child abuse and witchcraft branding across Cross River State through sustained advocacy and public awareness campaigns.
The organisation also commended the Nigeria Police Force, the Cross River State Ministry of Justice led by 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 the growing number of court decisions in Cross River State aimed at tackling witchcraft-related violence against children, as campaigners continue to call for stronger enforcement of child protection laws and greater public education to end the stigmatisation of vulnerable children.
