The Federal Government has charged 54-year-old Abuja-based medical practitioner John Abebe with fraudulent acts and criminal conspiracy in a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Jabi.

Abebe, a pastor at Living Faith Church in Durumi, Abuja, and his hospital, Joje Abebe Hospital Limited, were charged with three counts of fraud, criminal conspiracy, unlawful disclosure of confidential medical records, and alleged sale of a couple’s embryos on Wednesday, March 11, 2026.

The doctor was accused of illegally disclosing Mrs Mary Manga and her husband’s confidential medical records to the public without her permission, in violation 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).

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 organisation, and adjourned to April 2, 2026, for the commencement of trial.