Illegal Pharmacy Operator Bags 8-Year Jail Term in Calabar
By Benjamin GBOR
A Federal High Court sitting in Calabar has sentenced Ezea Isidora Kamchukwube to eight years imprisonment for unlawfully running pharmaceutical outlets in Cross River State.
The conviction followed charges of operating unregistered pharmacy premises and permitting unqualified individuals to dispense drugs, offences contrary to the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2022.
The case, filed as Charge No. FHC/CA/76C/2025, was brought by the Federal Republic of Nigeria against the defendant.
Delivering judgment on Monday, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu of the Federal High Court, Calabar ruled that Kamchukwube was guilty of illegally operating two pharmacy outlets in the state.
The establishments were identified as “24 Hours Pharmaceuticals” along Marian Road and another facility situated opposite Kokoz Cosmetics Shop on Abang Asang Street, Etta-Agbor Road, Calabar.
The court held that she engaged in pharmacy practice without valid registration, in breach of Sections 32(2), 53(d), 54(1) and 54(2) of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2022, under the regulation of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria.
Evidence presented before the court showed that the regulatory council had previously sealed the premises during enforcement exercises, but the defendant allegedly reopened them and continued operations despite the directive.
Justice Ojukwu further stated that the prosecution successfully proved the case beyond reasonable doubt, confirming that the defendant was not duly licensed to operate a pharmacy.
Reacting to the judgment, a representative of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Aliyu Okayode, said the ruling reflects government efforts to sanitise the pharmaceutical sector and enforce compliance with professional standards.
He added that the conviction would serve as a warning to illegal operators in the health sector.
Counsel to the defendant, Ekpe Esor, declined to comment after the court session.
