The Federal High Court in Calabar has sentenced a businesswoman, Ezea Isidora Kamchukwube, to eight years imprisonment for operating pharmaceutical premises without the required registration and authorisation in Cross River State.

Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu delivered the judgment on Monday after finding the defendant guilty of multiple offences under the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2022.

Kamchukwube was prosecuted by the Federal Government on allegations of running pharmacies without registration and permitting unqualified individuals to dispense drugs.

The matter was filed as Charge No. FHC/CA/76C/2025 between the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the defendant.

The court found that the convict operated “24 Hours Pharmaceuticals” on Marian Road, as well as another pharmacy located opposite Kokoz Cosmetics Shop along Abang Asang Street, Etta-Agbor Road, Calabar, without complying with the legal requirements governing pharmaceutical practice.

In her ruling, Justice Ojukwu held that the defendant engaged in pharmaceutical activities reserved for duly registered pharmacists and pharmaceutical representatives despite not being registered by the appropriate regulatory authority.

The judge further noted that officials of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria had earlier sealed both premises during an enforcement exercise. However, the defendant reportedly reopened the facilities without authorisation and continued business activities.

According to the court, the actions contravened Sections 32(2), 53(d), 54(1) and 54(2) of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2022, leading to the eight-year prison sentence.

Speaking after the judgment, Deputy Director at the Federal Ministry of Justice, Aliyu Okayode, who represented the Federal Republic of Nigeria, described the verdict as a strong warning to individuals operating pharmaceutical outlets outside the provisions of the law.

He said the prosecution successfully established before the court that the defendant lacked the necessary registration and licence required to practise pharmacy and operate pharmaceutical premises.

Okayode added that the conviction underscored the government’s commitment to enforcing standards within the pharmaceutical sector and protecting public health.

Counsel to the defendant, Ekpe Esor, declined to comment on the judgment and did not speak with journalists after the court proceedings.