A Sunday worship service at the Chapel of Redemption, University of Calabar (UNICAL), was abruptly brought to an end after police intervened in a growing leadership dispute involving rival factions within the church.
The incident, which occurred on Sunday, reportedly created tension among worshippers as the university caretaker committee and an interim chaplain allegedly appointed by the Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Offiong Offiong, attempted to assume control of the service being conducted by the chapel’s chaplain, Rev. Joseph Ushie.
Concerned that the disagreement could escalate into violence, the Cross River State Police Command ordered the suspension of the service.
DCP Godwin Etim of the state command explained that the decision was taken to prevent a possible breakdown of law and order.
According to him, the atmosphere at the chapel was already highly tense, raising fears that allowing the service to continue could result in bloodshed.
“There was obvious tension at the venue, and allowing the service to continue could have resulted in violence.” Etim stated.
Etim disclosed that he had engaged Rev. Ushie, the interim chaplain and a member of the church’s Board of Trustees, after which the parties agreed to suspend the service.
He added that the conflicting parties had been invited to the police command for a meeting on Monday, while urging them to remain calm and avoid actions capable of worsening the situation.
The latest development comes against the backdrop of an existing order of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt restraining the university’s Vice-Chancellor and persons acting through him from interfering with the chapel’s premises and activities.
Rev. Ushie had approached the court against the Vice-Chancellor, the university Registrar, Dr Chukwuka Icha, and three others through his counsel, Chief Mba Ukweni, SAN.
Following the application, Justice Phoebe Ayuba granted an injunction restraining the respondents and anyone acting on their behalf from interfering with the chapel and its activities.
The court also directed the parties to maintain the status quo pending the hearing and determination of the substantive application scheduled for August 20, 2026.
The police intervention has temporarily prevented the leadership dispute from spilling into a wider confrontation, while efforts are expected to be made to resolve the disagreement.
