Police Halt UNICAL Church Service to Prevent Violence

On Sunday, operatives of the Cross River State Police Command intervened at the Chapel of Redemption, University of Calabar, to halt a church service amid a conflict between Rev. Joseph Ushie, the chapel's chaplain, and an interim chaplain appointed by the university's Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Offiong. DCP Godwin Etim stated that the decision to terminate the service was made to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order, citing palpable tension among worshippers.

The police's intervention followed a subsisting order from the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt, which restrained Prof. Offiong and others from interfering with the chapel's activities. Rev. Ushie had filed a suit against the Vice-Chancellor, the university's Registrar, Dr. Chukwuka Icha, and others, seeking protection while exercising his rights to worship.

Justice Phoebe Ayuba granted an injunction to maintain the status quo pending a hearing set for August 20.