The Federal Government has arraigned Dr. John Abebe, a 54-year-old Abuja-based medical practitioner, before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Jabi, over allegations of fraud, criminal conspiracy, and unlawful disclosure of medical records.

Dr. Abebe, who also serves as a pastor at Living Faith Church in Durumi, Abuja, appeared in court on Wednesday, March 11, 2026, alongside his medical facility, Joje Abebe Hospital Limited, facing three counts related to fraudulent activities and the alleged sale of a couple’s embryos.

The prosecution alleges that Dr. Abebe unlawfully released the confidential medical records of Mrs. Mary Manga and her husband to third parties without consent, in violation of Section 29 of the National Health Act 2014.

In addition, between January and May 2025, the doctor, described as a Chief Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist (O&G), is accused of deceiving the couple and defrauding them of N19 million under the pretext of providing In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment. Prosecutors claim he converted the funds for personal use, an offence under Section 1 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

The most serious allegation is that Dr. Abebe sold the couple’s fully developed embryos to other patients, a claim that, if proven, would make this one of the most high-profile fertility-related scandals in recent Nigerian history.

When the charges were read, Dr. Abebe and Joje Abebe Hospital Limited pleaded not guilty. His lawyer, Marvin Omorogbe, requested bail, which was unopposed by the prosecuting counsel, Joseph Wada.

Justice A. A. Fashola subsequently granted Dr. Abebe bail in the sum of N5 million, with a reliable surety of equal value, who must be a professional employed by a verifiable organization. The case was adjourned to April 2, 2026, for the commencement of trial.