A High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Abuja has adjourned the trial of an Abuja-based medical practitioner, Dr. John Abebe, and his hospital, Joje Abebe Hospital Limited, over alleged IVF fraud, unlawful disclosure of patients’ medical records and embryo sale to June 18, 2026.
The court, presided over by Justice Akeem A. Fashola, fixed the new date after arguments over a pending application filed by the defence counsel.
Dr. Abebe, who is also said to be a pastor with Living Faith Church, also known as Winners Chapel, Durumi, Abuja, was arraigned alongside his hospital on a three-count charge filed by the Federal Government through the Inspector General of Police.
The charges border on alleged fraud, criminal conspiracy, unlawful disclosure of confidential medical records and alleged sale of embryos belonging to a couple identified as Mr. and Mrs. Mary Manga.
According to the charge sheet, the defendants allegedly released the confidential medical records of the couple to members of the public without their consent, an action said to contravene provisions of the National Health Act, 2014.
The prosecution further alleged that between January and May 2025, the defendants obtained N19 million from the couple under the pretext of carrying out successful In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) procedures.
The prosecution claimed that the money was allegedly converted for personal use, while also accusing the defendants of selling the couple’s fully developed embryos to other patients.
The allegation has continued to generate public concern due to the sensitive nature of fertility treatments and patient confidentiality.
During proceedings on Wednesday, counsel to the defendants, Marvin Omorogbe, informed the court of a pending application and initially sought permission to move the motion.
However, prosecution counsel, Malik D. Taiwo, told the court that he had not been served with the application and requested time to study and respond appropriately.
The defence counsel later indicated readiness to proceed with the substantive matter, but Justice Fashola held that the trial could only continue if the pending application was formally withdrawn.
Since the defence was unwilling to withdraw the motion, the court directed the prosecution to file its response and subsequently adjourned the matter to June 18, 2026.
Dr. Abebe and Joje Abebe Hospital Limited had pleaded not guilty to all charges and have remained on bail since March 11, 2026.