Court Restrains UNICAL VC, Officials, as UNICAL Chapel of Redemption Chaplain Seeks Reinstatement
By Missang AKPET
The Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt presided over by Hon. Justice Phoebe M. Ayua has granted interim orders restraining the Vice Chancellor of the University of Calabar and 5 others from interfering with the UNICAL Chapel of Redemption and violation of the rights of Rev Joseph Litiamliweabe Ushie as the chaplain of the Chapel.
Rev. Dr. Joseph Litiamliweabe Ushie in SUIT NO: FHC/CA/FHR/87/2026 sued 6 respondents including Prof. Offiong E. Offiong, Vice Chancellor, of the University of Calabar, Dr. (Mrs) Chukwuka Icha, Registrar, and Rev. Timothy Ebere, Special Adviser to the VC on Religious Matters over alleged violation of his fundamental rights.
Addressing newsmen after court proceedings, counsel to the applicant, Mbah E. Ukweni, Esq, said the issue began after the tenure of Prof. Paul Ajah as Chairman of Council of the UNICAL Chapel of Redemption ended in February 2025.
According to Ukweni, Ajah contested for a second term in 2025 but lost to Prof. Essien David Oku. He alleged that till date, Prof. Oku had refused to hand over the chapel accounts to the new EXCO.
“One of his major grievance is that the chaplain, Rev. Ushie, did not support him during the elections, reasons why he lost the elections and vowed to make sure Ushie doesn't go back for a second term. The Vice Chancellor subsequently appointed his Special Adviser on Religious Matters, Rev. Timothy Ebere, to take over the chaplaincy".
“The church council as well as the congregation rescind the decision saying it wasn't done in good faith and after reviewing the decision appointed Rev Ushie a second term as chaplain.” Ukweni alleged.
He told the court that a letter was issued from the University administration banning Rev. Ushie from parading himself as chaplain, worshiping at the Chapel of Redemption, stepping his foot into the University of Calabar as well as vacate the official residence of the chaplain at Flat QC1, UNICAL Staff Quarters.
Ukweni argued that this violates Sections 36, 38 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution which guarantee right to fair hearing, freedom of movement, and freedom of thought, conscience and religion.
He prayed the court to mandate the respondents to immediately handover possession of the chaplaincy as well as restore the applicant back to his official residence as well as demanded the sum of N5 million damages for the violation of the applicants fundamental rights.
In two separate court orders issued on August 4, Justice Ayua ordered an injunction restraining the respondents from interfering with the premises of the UNICAL Chapel of Redemption pending hearing, maintain status quo ante bellum, restraining the Respondents from taking further steps in connection with the matter as well as harassment, intimidation, or assault of the applicant while exercising his right to religion and worship.
The matter was however adjourned to August 20, 2026 for hearing of the substantive suit.
