Recalled that the Chaplain of the church, Rev. (Dr) Joseph Ushie, had earlier instituted a suit against the VC, the Registrar of UNICAL, Dr Chukwuka Icha, and four others
By Christian Njoku
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Published on August 9, 2026
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3 min read
The University of Calabar, UNICAL Chapel of Redemption witnessed a dramatic end to its service on Sunday, August 9, as a Caretaker Committee instituted by Prof. Offiong E. Offiong, Vice-Chancellor of the University, tried to take-over the service against a subsisting court ruling.
It would be recalled that the Chaplain of the church, Rev. (Dr) Joseph Ushie, had earlier instituted a suit against the VC, the Registrar of UNICAL, Dr Chukwuka Icha, and four others.
In the suit, FHC/CA/FHR/87/2026, filed on July 23, the applicant had sought a Motion Ex Parte praying the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt to restrain the VC or anyone acting on his behalf from intimidating threatening and assaulting the applicant while exercising his rights to worship in the UNICAL Chapel of Redemption.
Upon consideration of the affidavit in support of the Motion Ex Parte and submission by the applicant’s Counsel, Ntufam Mba Ukweni SAN, Justice Phoebe Ayua granted an injunction restraining the respondent or any person acting through them from interfering with the chapel premises and activities.
The order of the court which granted an injunction against the respondents urged all parties involved to maintain the status quo “ante bellum” pending the hearing and determination of the substantive application on August 20.
However, on Sunday, in the church’s 8 a.m. service, the Caretaker Committee and Interim Chaplain appointed by the VC came in and disrupted the service against the restraining order of the court in a bid to take control of the church.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) observed that the church which was thrown into confusion saw officials of the Cross River Police Command and security officials of the University trying to restore law and order.
Speaking to journalists at the scene of the incident, DCP Godwin Etim, Deputy Commissioner of Police in charge of Operations from the Cross River Police Command, said he had to order an end of the service to protect lives and property.
“There is palpable tension and with what I see here if I allow the service to continue it will lead to bloodshed in this church.
“I have spoken to the chaplain and the interim chaplain appointed by the VC, a member of the church’s Board of Trustees and they have agreed that the service should close because of the tension to avoid the breakdown of law and order.
“We have invited both groups to our office on Monday by 12:00 p.m. so that we will look into the issues raised and profer solutions,” he said.
