The Federal High Court, Port Harcourt Judicial Division has restrained the management of the University of Calabar and other respondents from interfering with the UNICAL Chapel of Redemption pending the hearing of a fundamental rights suit.

Delivering the ruling on Tuesday, August 4, 2026, Hon. Justice Phoebe M. Ayua granted an interim injunction following an ex parte motion filed by Rev. (Dr) Joseph Litiamliweabe Ushie

The applicant had dragged the respondents, the Vice Chancellor, University of Calabar Prof. Offiong E. Offiong, the Registrar of the university, Dr. (Mrs) Chukwuka I. Icha, Prof. Paul O. Ajah, the Special Adviser to the VC on Religious and Related Matters, Rev. Timothy Ebere and the Chairman, Christian Council of Nigeria, Cross River State Chapter, Most Rev. Offiong Mensah to court for banning him from attending to any activity in his place of worship at UNICAL Chapel of Redemption; banning his movement and religious activities by directing him to stay away from UNICAL Chapel of Redemption and the University of Calabar, Calabar premises with immediate effect,

In the ruling, Justice Ayua granted an injunction restraining the Respondents or anyone acting through them from entering, trespassing upon, taking over, locking up or in any way interfering with the premises of the UNICAL Chapel of Redemption located at the University of Calabar.

The Judge also issued an injunction against the Respondents from taking further steps in connection with the matter, and to maintain the status quo ante bellum pending the hearing and determination of the substantive application.

The applicant had, through his counsel Mba, E. Ukweni, SAN, also sought orders restraining the respondents from harassing, intimidating, or disrupting worship at the chapel while he conducts services.

The Court ordered that Hearing Notice be issued and served on the Respondents before the next date of adjournment slated for August 20, 2026, for the hearing of the substantive suit.

The suit borders on alleged violations of Sections 36, 38 and 41 of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), relating to right to fair hearing, freedom of religion and freedom of movement.