A Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has restrained the Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong E. Offiong, and five others from interfering with the fundamental rights of the Chaplain of the Chapel of Redemption, University of Calabar, Rev. Joseph Ushie.
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/ELLAN.png")
![](https://thenigerialawyer.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/2026-Summer-IDRI-Masterclass.jpg")
Justice Phoebe Ayua granted the interim order in Suit No. FHC/CA/FHR/87/2026 following an ex parte application filed by the embattled chaplain.
The respondents in the suit are the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Offiong E. Offiong; the Registrar, Chukwuka Icha; the University of Calabar; Prof. Paul O. Ajah; Rev. Timothy Ebere; and the Chairman of the Christian Council of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter, Most Rev. Offiong Mensah.
Rev. Ushie had approached the court after he was allegedly evicted from his quarters on the university premises, barred from the school premises, and prevented from exercising his rights to worship and function as chaplain of the Chapel of Redemption.
He also alleged that the respondents appointed an interim chaplain and a caretaker committee to run the church council, contrary to the constitution of the church.
The applicant further claimed that he was assaulted while exercising his right to religion and worship at the Chapel of Redemption.
Through his counsel, Mba E. Ukweni, SAN, and V. C. Egboluche, Rev. Ushie asked the court to restrain the respondents from harassing, intimidating or disrupting worship at the Chapel while he conducts services.
He also sought an order restraining the respondents from altering the structure or established practices of the Chapel, as well as an order staying all actions connected with the dispute and maintaining the status quo ante bellum pending the determination of the substantive application.
In her ruling, Justice Ayua granted an interim injunction restraining the respondents, their agents or anyone acting through them from entering, trespassing upon, taking over, locking up or interfering with the premises of the UNICAL Chapel of Redemption located within the University of Calabar.
The court also restrained the respondents from taking further steps in connection with the matter and ordered all parties to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the hearing and determination of the substantive application.
Justice Ayua further directed that hearing notices be issued and served on the respondents before the next adjourned date.
The matter was adjourned to August 20, 2026, for hearing of the substantive suit.
The book also examines Nigeria's legal ecosystem, focusing on the LPELR and NBA AI Guidelines. As a bonus, every purchase comes with a FREE eBook titled: How to Use the AI Features in LegalPedia and LawPavilion.
Ohio Books Ltd praises the publication, stating:
"....this is the only Nigerian book I know of on the topic."
How to Order:
📞 Call, Text, or WhatsApp: 08034917063 | 07055285878
📧 Email: benadigwe1@gmail.com
🌎 Website: www.benadigwe.com
Ebook Version: Access it directly online at https://selar.com/prv626
Authored by Ben Ijeoma Adigwe Esq., ACIarb (UK), LL.M, Dip. in Artificial Intelligence, Director at the Delta State Ministry of Justice, Asaba, Nigeria.
_______________________________________________________________________
“Enhance Legal Practice With Authoritative Reports” — Alexander Payne Offers Comprehensive Law Reports, Spanning Over A Century Of Nigerian Jurisprudence
Interested buyers are encouraged to place their orders and enquiries via:
0704 444 4777, 0704 444 4999, 0818 199 9888
Website: www.alexandernigeria.com
