Olayiwola Matthew
The Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have arraigned John Abebe, an Abuja-based doctor, over the alleged unlawful sale of a couple’s embryos.
Adebe, a pastor in the Living Faith Church, is facing three counts of fraud and criminal conspiracy after he allegedly sold the couple’s embryos and disclosed their confidential medical history, according to the charge sheet seen by TheCable.
The pastor is accused of defrauding the couple of N19 million, an offence that contravenes section 29 of the National Health Act 2014.
He and Joje Adebe Fertility Centre, his hospital, were docked before A. A. Fashola, judge of the FCT high court, on Wednesday.
One of the counts read: “That you 1. John Onuwabhagbe Abebe ‘M’ 54 years, 2. Joje Abebe Fertility Centre Limited, being a Chief Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist/Medical Doctor of Joje Abebe Hospital Limited, head office located at No. 0140, Bamanga Tukur Street, Zone E, Apo Legiative Quarters, Gudu District, FCT, Abuja, within the Abuja Judicial Division, while you were in custody of Mr. & Mrs. Mary Manga’s medical records concerning their health welfare and their production status on or before 6th August 2025, at FCT, Abuja, without their authorisation or consent abused your office and released their secret medical record to members of the public as a result you render the victim the exposure to be traumatized and yet to recover from the shock, contrary to your oath of allegiance. And that you thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 299 of the National Health Act, 2014.”
Abebe and his hospital pleaded “not guilty” when the charges were read to them.
The fertility doctor was granted bail in the sum of N5 million, and the matter was adjourned to April 2 for trial.
