Woman Sentenced To 8 Years In Prison Over Illegal Pharma Practice

The Federal High Court sitting in Calabar has declared a businesswoman, Ezea Isidora Kamchukwube, wanted after she failed to appear for sentencing on Monday.

The court also directed security agencies to arrest her and ensure she is handed over to the Nigerian Correctional Service to begin serving an eight-year prison sentence.

Kamchukwube, a member of the National Association of Pharmaceutical Technologists and Pharmacy Technicians of Nigeria (NAPTTON) who resides on Etagbor Street, Calabar, was convicted for unlawfully operating pharmaceutical premises without registration with the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN).

She was tried in Charge No: FHC/CA/76C/2025 between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and Ezea Isidora Kamchukwube.

Delivering judgment, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu found her guilty on multiple counts bordering on illegal pharmaceutical practice committed in August 2024.

The court held that she engaged in the practice of a registered pharmacist without being duly registered, contrary to Section 32(2) of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2022.

It further established that she operated two illegal pharmaceutical outlets, including 24 Hours Pharmaceuticals along Marian Road, Calabar, without approval from the regulatory authority.

Additional charges included allowing unqualified individuals to dispense drugs, dispensing medicines without valid professional licences, and tampering with regulatory seals affixed by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria.

She was also found guilty of breaking PCN seals, an offence under Section 53(d) of the Act, and unlawful dispensing of medicines contrary to Section 54(4)(b) of the same law.

Speaking after the proceedings, Deputy Director at the Federal Ministry of Justice and prosecuting counsel, Aminu Kayode Alilu Esq., said the prosecution successfully proved that the defendant operated without registration and falsely presented herself as a licensed pharmacist.

“The court found her guilty on five counts relating to non-registration, having established that she was not duly registered under the law,” he said.

He added that the court had ordered security agencies to track down the convict and ensure she begins serving her sentence.

Efforts to reach defence counsel, Ekpe Esor Esq., were unsuccessful as he was unavailable after the court session.