By George Omagbemi Sylvester
A High Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State, has sentenced Ubong Badsey Etim to death by hanging for the murder of his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Etim, who had Down syndrome. The judgment, delivered by Justice Blessing Egwu on Monday, July 20, 2026, brings to a close a case that sparked widespread outrage among child rights advocates and disability groups.
The court found Etim guilty of murdering his daughter after falsely accusing her of being a witch because of her disability. In delivering the verdict, Justice Egwu held that the prosecution had proved the charge of murder beyond reasonable doubt and consequently sentenced the defendant to death by hanging in accordance with the law.
Reacting to the judgment, James Ibor, counsel and co-founder of the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, described the ruling as a landmark victory for child protection and justice.
He said Deborah’s tragic death exposed the dangers of witchcraft accusations, particularly against children living with disabilities, stressing that such harmful practices have led to rejection, abuse, torture and even the killing of innocent children in several communities.
The judgment has been welcomed by child rights advocates, who say it sends a strong message that violence against children, especially those with disabilities, will not go unpunished.
They also renewed calls for greater public awareness, stronger protection for vulnerable children and an end to the practice of branding children as witches.
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