Doctor, Pastor Arraigned in Abuja Over Alleged Sale of Couple’s Embryos

Doctor, Pastor Arraigned in Abuja Over Alleged Sale of Couple’s Embryos

An Abuja-based medical doctor and pastor has been arraigned before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory over allegations of fraud, breach of medical confidentiality and the unlawful sale of a couple’s embryos.

The defendant, John Onuwabhagbe Abebe, a chief consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, who also serves as a pastor at Living Faith Church, Durumi, Abuja, was docked alongside his hospital, Joje Abebe Fertility Centre Limited, before Justice A. A. Fashola at the FCT High Court in Jabi.

He is facing a three-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, fraud, and unlawful disclosure of confidential medical records.

According to the charge filed by the prosecution, Abebe allegedly released the confidential medical records of a couple, Mr. and Mrs. Mary Manga, to the public without their consent, an action said to violate provisions of the National Health Act 2014.

Prosecutors further alleged that between January and May 2025, the medical practitioner defrauded the couple of N19 million under the pretext of providing specialised in vitro fertilisation (IVF) treatment.

The prosecution claimed that Abebe collected the money for the treatment but allegedly converted the funds for personal use, an offence punishable under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act 2006.

The charge also accused the doctor of unlawfully using the couple’s fully developed embryos and allegedly selling them to other patients; an allegation that could represent one of the most controversial fertility-related cases in recent times if proven.

One of the counts alleged that while in custody of the couple’s medical records concerning their reproductive health, the doctor released the information to the public without authorisation, thereby exposing the victims to emotional distress.

Another count stated that the doctor attached the husband’s medical history, including details of his fertility status, to a legal document sent to a law firm, which was subsequently accessed by third parties, allegedly breaching an earlier confidentiality agreement.

When the charges were read in court, Abebe and his hospital pleaded not guilty to all the counts.

His counsel, Marvin Omorogbe, applied for bail, which was not opposed by the prosecuting counsel, Joseph Wada.

Justice Fashola subsequently granted the defendant bail in the sum of N5 million, with one reliable surety in like sum who must be a professional working with a verifiable organisation.

The court adjourned the matter to April 2, 2026, for the commencement of trial.