Apostle Ubong Bassey Etim has been sentenced to death by hanging for killing his 16-year-old daughter, daughter, Deborah whom he falsely accused.
Justice Blessing Egwu of High Court No. 11 Calabar, delivered the judgment on Monday, holding that the prosecution proved the charge of murder against the clergyman beyond reasonable doubt.
The death of Deborah, who had down syndrome, has sparked reactions among human rights groups and child advocates.
For instance, Basic Rights Counsel Initiative (BRCI) in a statement signed by its Principal Counsel and Co-Founder, James Ibor, described the conviction as a landmark victory in the campaign to protect children from witchcraft branding and related violence.
The organisation said the verdict sends a strong message that those who subject children to violence or death based on false witchcraft allegations will face the full weight of the law.
The BRCI said the judgment not only delivered justice for Deborah but also strengthened efforts to eliminate harmful practices that expose children to abuse, torture, abandonment and death.
