RismadarVoice Reporters
August 23, 2026
The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Calabar, Prof. Offiong Offiong, has again barred members of the University of Calabar Chapel of Redemption from accessing the chapel for Sunday worship, despite a Federal High Court injunction restraining interference with the church’s activities.
The court issued the injunction on August 4 and sustained it on August 20, with the case adjourned until September 2.
According to reports gathered by Rismadarvoice, the university security personnel reportedly prevented worshippers from entering the chapel on Sunday, saying they were acting on the vice-chancellor’s directive. The worshippers were also asked to leave the university premises.
The development forced the church members to hold their service on a nearby street, similar to what happened on August 16 when they were denied access to the chapel and conducted an open-air service.
The dispute followed the removal of Rev. Joseph Ushie as chaplain by the vice-chancellor. Offiong also reportedly evicted Ushie from his university quarters and appointed Rev. Israel Eyo as interim chaplain.
The vice-chancellor further suspended Prof. Essien Oku, chairman of the church council, dissolved the council and appointed a caretaker committee to manage the church’s affairs.
Following the developments, Ushie approached the Federal High Court, seeking legal protection for the chapel’s activities.
Mr Monday Johnson, the university’s Deputy Chief Security Officer, said his position was at risk if the worshippers refused to leave the premises, explaining that he was acting on an order.
The worshippers eventually complied and moved to a nearby street to hold their service.
Meanwhile, Mr Imo Nse, Secretary of the church council, said members expected the court injunction to protect their right to worship pending the determination of the case.
“We remain committed to obeying the law; our only demand is freedom to worship while this matter remains before the court,” he said.
