An Abuja-based medical doctor, John Abebe, has been arraigned before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Jabi over allegations of fraud, criminal conspiracy and the illegal sale of embryos belonging to a couple seeking fertility treatment.
The 54-year-old obstetrician and gynaecologist, who also pastors at Living Faith Church Worldwide in Durumi, Abuja, was docked alongside his medical facility, Joje Abebe Hospital Limited, on a three-count charge filed by the Federal Government.
According to the prosecution, Abebe allegedly violated Section 29 of the National Health Act 2014 by unlawfully disclosing the confidential medical records of a patient, Mrs Mary Manga, and her husband without their consent.
The government further accused the doctor of defrauding the couple of N19 million between January and May 2025 by falsely presenting himself as a specialist in In Vitro Fertilisation treatment.
Prosecutors said the money was collected for fertility treatment but allegedly converted to personal use, an offence punishable under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006.
In what authorities described as a disturbing allegation, the doctor was also accused of selling the couple’s fully developed embryos to other patients without their knowledge or approval.
When the charges were read, Abebe and his hospital pleaded not guilty. Defence counsel, Marvin Omorogbe, applied for bail, which was not opposed by the prosecuting counsel, Joseph Wada.
Presiding judge, A. A. Fashola, granted the defendant bail in the sum of N5 million with one surety in like sum. The surety must be a professional employed by a verifiable organisation.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter to April 2, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
If proven, the allegations could rank among the most controversial fertility-treatment scandals in Nigeria in recent years.
