By BANNERNEWS Reporter, Calabar
A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has issued an interim order restraining the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar (UNICAL), Prof. Offiong E. Offiong, and five others from interfering with the fundamental rights of the Chaplain of the Chapel of Redemption, Rev. Joseph Ushie.
The order was granted by Justice Phoebe Ayua in Suit No. FHC/CA/FHR/87/2026 following an ex parte application filed by Rev. Ushie over his alleged eviction from the university chapel and residence.
Joined as respondents in the suit are the UNICAL Registrar, Mr. Chukwuka Icha; Prof. Paul O. Ajah; Rev. Timothy Ebere; and the Chairman of the Christian Council of Nigeria (CCN), Cross River State chapter, Most Rev. Offiong Mensah.
Rev. Ushie alleged that the respondents unlawfully evicted him from his official residence within the university, barred him from the chapel premises, and appointed an interim chaplain alongside a caretaker committee to administer the church, contrary to the constitution and established practices of the church.
He further told the court that he was assaulted while exercising his constitutional right to freedom of religion and worship at the Chapel of Redemption.
Through his counsel, Mba E. Ukweni (SAN) and V. C. Egboluche, the applicant sought an order restraining the respondents from harassing, intimidating or disrupting worship activities while he performs his ministerial duties.
The legal team also prayed the court to preserve the existing structure and order of worship at the chapel and direct all parties to maintain the status quo pending the determination of the substantive suit.
In her ruling, Justice Ayua granted an interim injunction restraining the respondents, their agents or anyone acting on their behalf from entering, taking over, locking up, trespassing upon or interfering in any manner with the premises of the Chapel of Redemption located within the University of Calabar.
The court further directed all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum and refrain from taking further actions relating to the dispute pending the hearing of the substantive application.
Justice Ayua also ordered that hearing notices be served on all the respondents and adjourned the matter to August 20, 2026, for hearing of the substantive suit.
