A High Court in Calabar, Cross River State, has sentenced a father, Ubong Badsey Etim, to death by hanging for murdering his 16-year-old daughter, Deborah Etim, who had Down syndrome after accusing her of being a witch.

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‎Justice Blessing Egwu, who presided over the case, found Etim guilty of murder, ruling that he unlawfully killed his daughter after falsely attributing her disability to witchcraft.

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‎According to the court, Deborah was targeted because she had Down syndrome, a lifelong genetic condition that affects physical growth, learning, and development but does not prevent individuals from living meaningful and productive lives with appropriate support.

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‎The court heard that Etim branded his teenage daughter a witch because of her disability before killing her. Justice Egwu described the act as murder and sentenced him to death by hanging under Nigerian law.

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‎The judgment is being hailed by child rights advocates as a landmark decision against violence rooted in superstition and discrimination.

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‎Reacting to the judgment, Barrister James Ibor, Counsel and Co-founder of the Basic Rights Counsel Initiative, said Deborah’s death exposes the ongoing danger faced by children accused of witchcraft, particularly those living with disabilities.

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‎”Deborah’s tragic death has exposed the devastating consequences of witchcraft branding, a harmful practice that continues to endanger the lives of children, particularly those living with disabilities,” Ibor said.

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‎He noted that in many communities, false accusations of witchcraft have led to rejection, torture, abandonment, and the killing of innocent children.

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‎”Today’s judgment sends a strong message that such acts are criminal and that perpetrators will be held accountable under the law,” he added.

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‎According to Ibor, the ruling represents more than justice for one child.

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‎”This judgment is not only justice for Deborah; it is also a significant milestone in the fight to end witchcraft branding and other harmful practices against children. It reinforces every child’s right to life, dignity, and protection.”

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‎Child protection advocates have long warned that children with disabilities are among those most vulnerable to witchcraft accusations in some communities. Such allegations often result in abuse, neglect, abandonment, torture, and, in extreme cases, murder.

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‎The conviction of Deborah Etim’s father is expected to strengthen efforts by child rights organisations to combat harmful traditional beliefs, protect vulnerable children, and hold perpetrators accountable.

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