Thursday, March, 12 2026 - The Federal Government has arraigned a 54-year-old Abuja-based medical practitioner, John Abebe, before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Jabi, over fraudulent acts and criminal conspiracy.
Abebe, who is also a pastor at Living Faith Church in
Durumi, Abuja, was arraigned on Wednesday, March 11, 2026 along with his
hospital, Joje Abebe Hospital Limited, on three counts of fraud, criminal
conspiracy, unlawful disclosure of confidential medical records, and alleged
sale of a couple’s embryos.
The doctor was accused of unlawfully releasing the
confidential medical records of Mrs Mary Manga and her husband to the public
without her consent, in contravention of Section 29 of the National Health Act
2014.
In addition to the alleged breach of medical
confidentiality, prosecutors claim that between January and May 2025, Abebe,
described as a Chief Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist (O&G),
deceived and defrauded the couple of N19 million under the pretext of being a
specialist in In Vitro Fertilization (IVF).
The prosecution alleged that he collected the money for
treatment and converted it to personal use, an offence punishable under Section
1 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
It was also alleged that the doctor sold the couple’s fully
developed embryos to other patients, a development that, if proven, could mark
one of the most scandalous fertility-related cases in the country’s recent
history.
When the charges were read to him, Abebe and JojeAbebe
Hospital Limited pleaded not guilty.
His counsel, Marvin Omorogbe, applied for his bail, which
was not opposed by the prosecuting counsel, Joseph Wada.
Consequently, Justice A. A. Fashola granted Abebe bail in
the tune of N5 million with a reliable surety in like sum, who must be a
professional working with a responsible and verifiable organization, and
adjourned to April 2, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
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