By Frank Ulom
The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt has issued an interim injunction barring the University of Calabar (UNICAL) Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Offiong E. Offiong, management and other respondents from interfering with the UNICAL Chapel of Redemption pending the determination of a substantive fundamental rights suit instituted by Rev. (Dr) Joseph Litiamliweabe Ushie.
The order was granted on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, by Hon. Justice Phoebe M. Ayua in Suit No. FHC/CA/FHR/87/2026, filed by Rev. Ushie against the VC, Prof. Offiong; the Registrar, Dr (Mrs) Chukwuka I. Icha; the University of Calabar; Prof. Paul O. Ajah; the Special Adviser to UNICAL VC on Religious and Related Matters, Rev. Timothy Ebere; and Chairman of Christian Council of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter, Most Rev. Offiong Mensah, PhD, as first, second, third, fourth, fifth and sixth respondents.
According to the court documents obtained by Converseer today, the applicant approached the court seeking the enforcement of his fundamental rights under Sections 36, 38 and 41 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), as well as the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules, 2009.
In his ex parte application, Rev. Ushie requested orders restraining the respondents from harassing, intimidating, threatening or assaulting him while exercising his right to worship at the UNICAL Chapel of Redemption. He also sought to stop any attempt to enter, take over, lock up or otherwise interfere with the chapel premises, disrupt worship activities or alter the chapel’s established structure and practices pending the hearing of the substantive suit.
After hearing submissions from the applicant’s counsel, Ntufam Mba E. Ukweni, SAN, and considering the supporting affidavit, Justice Ayua granted an interim injunction restraining the respondents or anyone acting on their behalf from entering, trespassing upon, taking over, locking up or interfering with the premises of the UNICAL Chapel of Redemption until the substantive suit is determined.
The court also ordered the respondents to refrain from taking any further steps relating to the subject matter of the dispute and directed that the status quo ante bellum be maintained pending the hearing and determination of the substantive application.
Justice Ayua further directed that hearing notices be issued and served on all the respondents before the next adjourned date of August 20, 2026, when the substantive suit is expected to be heard.
Converseer reports that the case stems from a dispute over the administration and activities at the UNICAL Chapel of Redemption, with Rev. Ushie alleging violations of his constitutional rights to fair hearing, freedom of religion and freedom of movement.