Police Halt UNICAL Chapel Service Amid Control Dispute

The Nigeria Police Command in Cross River State intervened to stop a Sunday service at the Chapel of Redemption, University of Calabar (UNICAL), due to a dispute over control of the church's affairs. The conflict arose between the university's caretaker committee and an interim chaplain appointed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Offiong, who attempted to take charge of the service led by the chapel's Chaplain, Rev. Joseph Ushie.

Godwin Etim, the Cross River State Police Command, ordered the suspension of the service to prevent potential violence, stating there was "palpable tension." Following discussions with Ushie, the interim chaplain, and a member of the church's Board of Trustees, it was agreed to suspend the service. The dispute is compounded by a Federal High Court order in Port Harcourt that restrains the Vice-Chancellor and others from interfering with the chapel's activities.

Ushie had filed a lawsuit against the Vice-Chancellor, the university Registrar, Dr. Chukwuka Icha, and others, leading to an injunction to maintain the status quo until a hearing on August 20.