An Abuja High Court sitting in Gudu, has adjourned the trial of a medical practitioner, Dr. John Abebe, and his facility, Joje Abebe Hospital Limited, over allegations of IVF fraud, embryo theft and unlawful disclosure of patients’ medical secrets.

Justice Akeem Fashola on Tuesday fixed June 18, 2026, for the continuation of the matter following a procedural stalemate between the defense and prosecution regarding a pending application.

Abebe and his hospital are facing a three-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy and fraud brought against them by the Inspector General of Police.

The defendants, who were first arraigned on March 11, have maintained a “not guilty” plea.

As detailed in the charge sheet, the IGP in Count One, alleged that on August 6, 2025, Abebe abused his office by releasing the confidential medical records of one Mrs. Mary Manga to the public without authorization.

According to the complainants, the act caused one Mrs Mary, “being the victim of said 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 and punishable under section 29 of the National Health Act, 2014.”

In Count Two, the IG accused the doctor of breaching a confidentiality agreement with the victim’s husband, Mr. Adamu Hassan, by attaching his medical history—which detailed “poor fertility status”—to a legal “Demand/Pre-Action Notice” sent to a third-party law firm.

Count three further states that the medical doctor, being a Chief Consultant Obstetrician & Gynecologist /Medical Doctor of Joje Hospital Limited, “between the month of January to May 2025… with intent to defraud by false pretense, deceived and duped Mrs. Mary Manga and her husband to the tune of Nineteen Million Naira (₦19,000,000.00K) and converted the whole money and some of their embryos to your own use. And that you thereby committed an offence punishable under section 1 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.”

During Tuesday’s proceedings, defense counsel, Marvin Omorogbe, initially sought to move a pending application but later suggested proceeding with the substantive trial.

However, Justice Fashola ruled that the prosecution, led by Malik D. Taiwo, must be given time to file a formal response to the defense’s motion unless it was explicitly withdrawn.

Abebe, who was granted bail during his first appearance, is expected back in court on June 18. (The PUNCH)

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