By Abasi Ita
The Federal High Court sitting in Calabar has sentenced Ezea Isidora Kamchukwube to eight years imprisonment for unlawfully operating a pharmacy in Cross River State.
She was convicted on charges of running unregistered pharmaceutical premises and allowing unqualified persons to dispense drugs, offences contrary to the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2022.
The case was instituted under Charge No. FHC/CA/76C/2025 between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the defendant.
Delivering judgment on Monday, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu found Kamchukwube guilty of illegally operating two outlets, including “24 Hours Pharmaceuticals” along Marian Road and another facility located opposite Kokoz Cosmetics Shop on Abang Asang Street, Etta-Agbor Road, Calabar.
The court held that she engaged in pharmacy practice without proper registration, in violation of Sections 32(2), 53(d), 54(1) and 54(2) of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2022.
The judge noted that officials of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria had earlier sealed the premises during enforcement operations, but the convict allegedly reopened them and continued business despite the directive.
She added that the prosecution proved beyond reasonable doubt that the defendant operated without being duly registered.
A representative of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Aliyu Okayode, said the judgment demonstrates government commitment to sanitising the pharmaceutical sector and ensuring compliance with regulatory standards.
He said the conviction followed clear evidence that the defendant was not licensed, adding that the ruling would serve as a deterrent.
Counsel to the defendant, Ekpe Esor, declined comment after the proceedings.