A Federal High Court in Calabar has sentenced a drug seller, Isidora Ezea, and three others to eight and a half years imprisonment each for operating unregistered pharmacy premises and illegally dispensing medicines.
The defendants were convicted in suit No. FHC/CA/76C/2025, instituted by the Federal Republic of Nigeria over violations of pharmacy regulations.
Delivering judgment on Monday, June 1, Justice Ijeoma Ojukwu found the defendants guilty on five counts related to the operation of unregistered pharmacy premises and the dispensing of medicines through unlicensed personnel.
However, the court discharged and acquitted them on three additional counts concerning the alleged unlawful unsealing of pharmacy premises that had previously been shut down by regulatory authorities.
During the trial, the prosecution informed the court that officials of the Pharmacy Council of Nigeria (PCN) had sealed two pharmacies operated by the defendants during a routine inspection and enforcement exercise.
Evidence presented before the court showed that the premises were later reopened and commercial activities resumed despite the regulatory sanctions.
Justice Ojukwu, however, held that the prosecution failed to prove the allegation that the defendants personally broke the official seals placed on the premises. The court noted that officers of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) had authorised the reopening of the shops.
According to the judge, since the prosecution did not challenge that evidence, the defendants could not be held criminally responsible for complying with instructions issued by law enforcement personnel.
Despite clearing them of the unsealing allegations, the court found that the defendants continued to operate the pharmacies in violation of established regulatory requirements and previous enforcement directives issued by the Pharmacy Council.
Emphasising the importance of strict compliance with pharmaceutical regulations, Justice Ojukwu described the regulation of pharmacy practice as essential to safeguarding public health and safety.
“In the final analysis, and having considered the totality of the evidence presented in this case, it is my humble view, as inspired by the law and decisions of the appellate court, that the prosecution has established the offences in counts one to five, and I hereby find the defendants guilty as charged,” the judge ruled.
The court subsequently ordered security agencies to arrest the defendants, who were absent when judgment was delivered, and ensure they serve their prison terms or, alternatively, pay a fine of N11 million each.
