FCT Police Arraign Abuja Doctor, Hospital Over Alleged Illegal Sale of Couple’s Embryos

The Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have arraigned an Abuja-based fertility specialist, Dr. John Abebe, before the FCT High Court over the alleged unlawful sale of a couple’s embryos and the disclosure of their confidential medical records.
Abebe, who is also a pastor at Living Faith Church Worldwide, was docked alongside his hospital, Joje Abebe Fertility Centre Limited, on Wednesday before Justice A. A. Fashola on a three-count charge bordering on fraud, criminal conspiracy and breach of medical confidentiality.
According to the charge sheet, the defendants allegedly defrauded a couple, Mr. and Mrs. Mary Manga, of N19 million in connection with the handling of their embryos.
Prosecutors further alleged that Abebe unlawfully released the couple’s confidential medical records without their consent, an act said to contravene provisions of the National Health Act 2014.
One of the charges stated that Abebe, while serving as Chief Consultant Obstetrician and Gynaecologist at the fertility centre located at Bamanga Tukur Street, Zone E, Apo Legislative Quarters, Gudu District, Abuja, abused his position by disclosing the couple’s medical records to members of the public without authorisation.
The prosecution said the disclosure exposed the victims to severe emotional distress and trauma.
The alleged offences are said to be punishable under Sections 29 and 299 of the National Health Act, 2014.
When the charges were read, Abebe and the fertility centre pleaded not guilty.
Justice Fashola subsequently granted the doctor bail in the sum of N5 million and adjourned the case until April 2 for the commencement of trial.