FCT High Court Adjourns Trial of Dr. John Abebe Over Alleged IVF Fraud, Sale of Embryos to June 18, 2026
The High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), presided over by Justice Akeem A. Fashola, has adjourned the criminal trial of Abuja‑based medical practitioner, Dr. John Abebe, and his hospital, Joje Abebe Hospital Limited, to June 18, 2026. The case involves allegations of fraud, breach of medical confidentiality, and the unlawful sale of a patient’s embryos in connection with In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) procedures.
Dr. Abebe, who also serves as a pastor with Living Faith Church (Winners Chapel), Durumi, Abuja, was arraigned on March 11, 2026, on a three‑count charge brought by the Federal Government through the Inspector General of Police. The charges include fraud, criminal conspiracy, and unlawful disclosure of confidential medical records, contrary to Section 29 of the National Health Act, 2014.
Prosecutors allege that between January and May 2025, Abebe, a chief consultant obstetrician and gynecologist, fraudulently obtained ₦19 million from Mrs. Mary Manga and her husband under the guise of providing IVF treatment. Instead, he allegedly diverted the funds for personal use, an offence punishable under Section 1 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006. The charge further alleges that he sold the couple’s fully developed embryos to other patients without consent.
At the resumed hearing, defence counsel Marvin Omorogbe informed the court of a pending application and sought leave to move it. Prosecution counsel Malik D. Taiwo objected, noting he had not been served with the application and requested time to respond. Although defence counsel initially indicated readiness to proceed with the substantive matter, Justice Fashola ruled that the trial could only continue if the application was formally withdrawn. Since the defence was unwilling to withdraw, the court granted the prosecution time to file a written response.
Consequently, Justice Fashola adjourned the matter to June 18, 2026, for continuation of trial.
