Federal High Court Convicts Calabar Businesswoman for Illegal Pharmacy Practice Under PCN Act
A Federal High Court sitting in Calabar, Cross River State, has convicted and sentenced businesswoman Ezea Isidora Kamchukwube to eight years’ imprisonment for offences relating to the unlawful operation of pharmaceutical premises and illegal practice as a pharmacist, contrary to the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria Act.
Delivering judgment in absentia, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu held that the prosecution had proved multiple counts against the defendant, including operating unregistered pharmaceutical outlets and dispensing medicines without requisite qualifications. The court emphasised that such acts constitute clear violations of the statutory framework governing pharmaceutical practice in Nigeria.
The charges, filed under Charge No. FHC/CA/76C/2025, arose from offences allegedly committed in August 2024. Court records revealed that Kamchukwube operated two outlets — 24 Hours Pharmaceuticals on Marian Road and another opposite Kokoz Cosmetics Shop on Abang Asang Street, Etta Agbor Road — without authorisation from the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria.
The court further found that the convict held herself out as a pharmacist despite lacking registration or licence, in breach of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2022.
Prosecuting counsel, Aliyu Okayode, Deputy Director at the Federal Ministry of Justice, confirmed that the prosecution established five counts of unlawful operation and dispensing of medicines outside the regulatory framework. He noted that the defendant also tampered with enforcement measures by breaking seals placed on her premises by regulators.
Justice Ojukwu imposed a custodial sentence of two years, with an option of fine, and directed law enforcement agencies to apprehend the convict wherever found and deliver her to the correctional centre. The court also declared her wanted, reinforcing the seriousness of the offences and the need for deterrence.
Counsel to the defendant, Ekpe Esor, declined comment after proceedings.
