Police halt church service at UNICAL amid leadership dispute

The Cross River State Police Command on Sunday intervened in a tense situation at the Chapel of Redemption, University of Calabar, UNICAL, suspending a church service to prevent a possible outbreak of violence.

The disruption occurred when a university caretaker committee and an interim chaplain appointed by the Vice-Chancellor attempted to assume control of a service already being conducted by the chapel’s pastor, Rev. Joseph Ushie.

The development created confusion among worshippers and heightened tensions within the congregation.

Speaking to journalists, Deputy Commissioner of Police, DCP, Godwin Etim, said the decision to stop the service was taken to avert a breakdown of law and order.

“There was obvious tension at the venue, and allowing the service to continue could have resulted in violence,” Etim stated.

According to him, discussions were held with Ushie, the interim chaplain, and a representative of the church’s Board of Trustees. All parties agreed to suspend the service in the interest of peace.

He added that the concerned parties had been invited for a meeting with the police command on Monday and urged everyone involved to remain calm.

The incident comes despite an existing order of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, which restrained the University of Calabar Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Offiong, and anyone acting on his behalf from interfering with the affairs and activities of the Chapel of Redemption.

Ushie had earlier filed a suit against the Vice-Chancellor, the university Registrar, Dr. Chukwuka Icha, and other defendants through his counsel, Chief Mba Ukweni, SAN.

In his application, Ushie sought protection from alleged intimidation, threats and interference while carrying out his duties and exercising his right to worship at the chapel.

After reviewing the application, Justice Phoebe Ayua granted an injunction restraining the defendants and their agents from interfering with the chapel’s operations. The court further directed all parties to maintain the status quo pending the hearing of the substantive matter, which is scheduled for August 20, 2026.

The police have expressed hope that dialogue and adherence to the court’s directive will help resolve the dispute peacefully.