Court Slams Eight-Year Jail Term on Fake Pharmacist in Calabar

A Federal High Court in Calabar has sentenced a businesswoman, Ezea Isidora Kamchukwube, to eight years imprisonment for operating unregistered pharmaceutical outlets and unlawfully practising pharmacy in Cross River State.

The judgment was delivered on Monday by Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu, who found the defendant guilty of several violations under the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2022.

Kamchukwube was prosecuted by the Federal Government in suit No. FHC/CA/76C/2025 for running pharmaceutical premises without the required registration and permitting unqualified individuals to dispense medications.

During the trial, the court heard that she managed two drug outlets in Calabar without approval from the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria. The facilities, known as 24 Hours Pharmaceuticals on Marian Road and another pharmacy located opposite Kokoz Cosmetics on Abang Asang Street, Etta Agbor Road, were operating illegally.

Justice Ojukwu ruled that the defendant engaged in the practice of pharmacy despite not being registered or licensed by the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria, in breach of existing laws.

The court also established that the pharmacies had previously been sealed by Pharmacy Council officials during an enforcement operation. However, Kamchukwube reportedly broke the official seals and resumed operations, disregarding regulatory directives.

The judge held that her actions contravened Sections 32(2), 53(d), 54(1), and 54(2) of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (Establishment) Act, 2022.

Reacting to the verdict, Aliyu Okayode, Deputy Director at the Federal Ministry of Justice and lead prosecutor, said the conviction sends a strong message to individuals operating pharmaceutical businesses without proper registration and licensing.

According to him, the prosecution successfully demonstrated that the defendant was neither a registered pharmacist nor legally authorised to operate pharmaceutical premises.

He noted that the judgment would serve as a deterrent to others whose illegal activities pose risks to public health and safety.

Defence counsel, Ekpe Esor, declined to comment on the court's decision after the proceedings.