The Federal Government has filed fresh criminal charges against Abuja-based fertility specialist and pastor, Dr. John Abebe, over allegations of fraud, breach of medical confidentiality, and the unlawful sale of embryos belonging to a couple undergoing fertility treatment.Also named in the charge, marked CR/005/2026, are Joje Abebe Fertility Centre Limited and Dr. Balkis Olanike Bakare.
Background of the CaseThe charge, filed at the registry of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), alleges that Dr. Abebe unlawfully disclosed the confidential medical records of Mr. and Mrs. Mary Manga without their consent.
The case was initially prosecuted by the Office of the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) before being transferred to the AGF, who subsequently filed fresh charges.
Dr. Abebe, who also serves as a pastor at Living Faith Church (Winners’ Chapel), Durumi, Abuja, was arraigned on March 11, 2026, alongside his clinic, Joje Abebe Hospital Limited, on a three-count charge. The allegations include criminal conspiracy, fraud, unlawful disclosure of confidential medical records, and the alleged sale of nine embryos belonging to the couple—two male and seven female.
Allegations Against Dr. AbebeUnlawful disclosure: Prosecutors claim Dr. Abebe violated Section 29 of the National Health Act, 2014, by disclosing confidential medical records of the complainants without consent.Fraudulent misrepresentation: Between January and May 2025, he allegedly obtained ₦19 million from the couple under the pretext of providing specialist IVF services, but converted the funds for personal use.Embryo sale scandal: The prosecution further alleges that Dr. Abebe sold the couple’s fully developed embryos to other patients, an act that—if proven—would constitute one of Nigeria’s most serious fertility-related scandals.
Specific Counts in the Charge
Violation of confidentiality: Dr. Abebe and Joje Abebe Hospital Limited allegedly disclosed the medical records of Mr. and Mrs. Manga without consent.
Breach of confidentiality agreement:
He allegedly attached confidential medical records to a pre-action demand notice issued through his lawyers, making them accessible to third parties and causing emotional trauma to the couple.
Fraudulent acquisition and conversion: Prosecutors claim he fraudulently obtained ₦19 million by misrepresenting himself as an IVF specialist and converted both the funds and some embryos to personal use, contrary to the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
The matter is currently before Justice A. A. Fashola of the FCT High Court, Abuja. On March 11, 2026, the court granted bail to the defendant.
Broader Implications
The trial is expected to raise critical questions about:
Medical ethics and professional responsibility in fertility practice;
Patient confidentiality and enforcement of the National Health Act;
Fraud prevention in Nigeria’s healthcare system; and Oversight of fertility treatment practices.
Judicial Proceedings
The matter is currently before Justice A. A. Fashola of the FCT High Court, Abuja. On March 11, 2026, the court granted bail to the defendant.
The trial is expected to raise critical questions about:Medical ethics and professional responsibility in fertility practice; Patient confidentiality and enforcement of the National Health Act; Fraud prevention in Nigeria’s healthcare system and Oversight of fertility treatment practices.
