A Federal High Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State, has convicted and sentenced a businesswoman, Ezea Kamchukwube, for operating unregistered pharmaceutical premises and illegally practising as a pharmacist in violation of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Act.
Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu delivered the judgment after finding the defendant guilty on multiple counts bordering on the unlawful operation of pharmaceutical outlets without registration and the dispensing of medicines without the requisite qualifications.
The charges, filed by the Federal Republic of Nigeria under Charge No. FHC/CA/76C/2025, stemmed from offences allegedly committed in August 2024 in Calabar.
Court documents obtained by our correspondent on Monday showed that Kamchukwube, who was absent during the trial, operated two pharmaceutical outlets, 24 Hours Pharmaceuticals along Marian Road and another opposite Kokoz Cosmetics Shop on Abang Asang Street, Etta Agbor Road, without registration or authorisation from the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria.
The court also found that she practised as a pharmacist without being registered or licensed by the regulatory body, contrary to provisions of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2022.
Prosecuting counsel and Deputy Director in the Federal Ministry of Justice, Abuja, Aminu Kayode, told journalists after the proceedings that the prosecution successfully proved that the defendant was neither registered as a pharmacist nor authorised to operate pharmaceutical premises.
According to him, “It is a case of an individual operating pharmaceutical premises without registration with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria as required by law, and also working as a qualified pharmacist when she is not qualified.”
He added that the court found her guilty on five counts relating to operating without registration and violating provisions of the Act.
Further charges revealed that the defendant dispensed medicines without a valid pharmacist’s licence and allowed pharmaceutical services to be carried out outside the regulatory framework of the council.
The prosecution also accused her of tampering with enforcement measures imposed by regulators, including breaking seals and locks placed on one of the premises by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria.
kayode disclosed that the punishment included a term of imprisonment or an option of fine, adding that authorities had been directed to ensure enforcement of the sentence.
“The punishment ranges from two years imprisonment to options of fine. There is a directive for us to locate her wherever she is and ensure she is handed over to the correctional centre to serve her sentence,” he said.
The court also declared the convict wanted and ordered security agencies to arrest and hand her over to correctional authorities upon apprehension.
Counsel to the defendant, Ekpe Esor, declined comments on the judgment and did not speak to journalists after the proceedings.