The legal battle surrounding the leadership of the Chapel of Redemption at the University of Calabar (UNICAL) took a major turn on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, after the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt barred university authorities from further interfering with the chaplain’s duties or constitutional rights.
​Presiding Judge Hon. Justice Phoebe M. Ayua granted the order in suit number FHC/CA/FHR/87/2026 following an ex-parte application filed on behalf of the Chaplain, Rev. Dr. Joseph Litiamliweabe Ushie.
​Justice Ayua ruled that all parties must maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the substantive motion for the enforcement of fundamental rights.
​Key orders issued by the court include: A direct restraint preventing the respondents, their agents, or security personnel from locking up, taking over, or trespassing on the Chapel of Redemption premises.
Court issued prohibition against harassing, intimidating, or obstructing Rev. Dr. Ushie while exercising his rights to freedom of thought, conscience, religion, and movement and also the protection against forced eviction from the chaplain’s official quarters or banishment from the university campus.
​The court order follows months of escalating tension between the UNICAL administration and the leadership of the Chapel of Redemption.
​According to lead counsel for the applicant, Mba E. Ukweni, SAN, the university management acted beyond its jurisdiction by attempting to unilaterally dismiss the chaplain, appoint a caretaker committee, and deploy security operatives to halt worship services.
​”Our client’s constitutional rights to fair hearing, dignity, and freedom of worship under Sections 34, 36, 38, and 41 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) were severely threatened,” stated Ukweni, SAN. “The church council operates under its own constitution, and university administrators cannot forcefully take over religious institutions.”
​The interim injunction explicitly binds six key respondents in the suit: Prof. Florence Banku Obi (Vice-Chancellor, University of Calabar), Dr. Mrs. Chukwuka I. Icha (Registrar, University of Calabar), University of Calabar Management, Prof. Paul O. Ajah (University Official), Rev. Timothy Ebere (Special Adviser on Religious Matters to the VC) and Most Rev. Offiong Mensah (Chairman, Christian Council of Nigeria, Cross River Chapter).
​The court directed that hearing notices and motion papers be served on all six respondents immediately.
​Justice Ayua adjourned the matter to Thursday, August 20, 2026, for the hearing of the substantive suit. In the interim, Rev. Dr. Ushie remains fully empowered to conduct services and preside over the Chapel of Redemption.
