Lucky Obukohwo, Reporting
The Federal Government has arraigned an Abuja-based medical practitioner, John Abebe, before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Jabi division , over criminal conspiracy.
Abebe, 54, who is also a pastor of Living Faith Church, Durumi, Abuja, was arraigned by the Nigeria Police 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 prosecution accused the doctor of unlawfully releasing the confidential medical records of 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 Fertilisation (IVF).
Abebe was further alleged to have collected the money for treatment but converted it to personal use, an offence punishable under Section 1 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
The three-count charge 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 organisation, and adjourned to April 2, 2026, for the commencement of trial.
