Basic Rights Counsel Initiative

On February 17 - 21, 2026, Basic Rights Counsel Initiative implemented the Heart of the Matter (HOM) Project in Cross River State Central, engaging both faith leaders and secondary school pupils within the same community and timeframe.

At Christian Church, Ntan Ekori, pastors and church leaders participated in a five-day intensive training examining theology, psychology, community psychology, child rights, safeguarding principles, Nigerian child protection laws, and the Cross-River State Child Protection Framework. A critical component of the sessions focused on scriptural texts frequently misinterpreted to justify witchcraft accusations against children. These passages were carefully examined in context, clarifying that scripture does not support stigmatization, branding, or abuse. Participants were also guided on the legal consequences of labeling children as witches and advised to align their teachings and counseling practices with both biblical doctrine and child protection law.

Simultaneously, from 18th to 20th February, HOM facilitators worked with 20 pupils at Comprehensive Secondary School, Ekori. The pupils investigated child witchcraft branding, emotional abuse, and physical abuse through interactive discussions, role-playing, question-and-answer sessions, and real-life examples. They learned that labeling a child as a witch is harmful and wrong, understood their rights and responsibilities, and gained confidence to report abuse to trusted adults. Teachers and school management were actively present throughout the process. A HOM School Club was established to ensure sustained peer-led awareness and child protection advocacy within the school.

This coordinated intervention addressed both the narratives that fuel accusations and the children who are most vulnerable to them. Change becomes sustainable when belief systems are corrected and children are empowered at the same time.

Protecting a child is not symbolic work. It requires clarity, accountability, and deliberate action. The Heart of the Matter project is strengthening that responsibility in our communities, and the work continues.

A child was harmed. The justice system responded. The court has now delivered its judgment.

Hon. Justice Blessing Egwu of the High Court of Cross River State has today February 24, 2026 sentenced Uduak Etim Udo, a 39-year-old man, to life imprisonment for the r**e of an 8-year-old. The outcome of this case shows what is possible when institutions carry out their legal duties fully and without compromise.

Basic Rights Counsel Initiative recognizes the importance of this judgment because it reflects the work of individuals who refused to overlook a child’s suffering but ensured the law took its course.

Our Principal Counsel, James Ibor expresses appreciation to Hon. Justice Blessing Egwu for her firm and principled adjudication of this matter. We also acknowledge the Commissioner of Police, Rashid Afegbua; the Honourable Attorney General of Cross River State, Ededem Ani; the Director of Public Prosecution, Okoi Ukam; and Rajunor Tom for their diligence in prosecuting this case and safeguarding the future of our children.

This is not about headlines. It is about accountability. It reinforces that children’s rights are enforceable under the law and that sexual violence against children carries severe legal consequences. BRCI will continue to pursue justice, support survivors, and insist that the justice system works for the most vulnerable.

A well-deserved sentence

BREAKING: Armed Robber Who R***d Woman, Two Teenagers Sentenced To Death In Calabar By Jonathan Ugbal A High Court of Cross River State presided over by Justice Blessing Egwu on Monday sentenced Okon Ekpo Effiong to death for acts of aggravated assault, r**e and armed robbery. Effiong, 33, had alongside four others gang r**ed a lady and two children after an armed robbery attack. T...

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