By By Elizabeth Ugbo
An Abuja High Court sitting in Gudu on Tuesday adjourned the IVF fraud trial involving medical practitioner Dr. John Abebe and Joje Abebe Hospital Limited until June 18, 2026. Justice Akeem Fashola fixed the new date after a disagreement between the defense and prosecution over a pending application. The Inspector General of Police accused the defendants of embryo theft, fraud, and unlawful disclosure of patients’ medical records.
Defense, Prosecution Clash Over Pending Application
During Tuesday’s proceedings, defense counsel Marvin Omorogbe initially sought to move a pending application. However, he later proposed proceeding directly with the substantive trial.
Justice Fashola ruled that the prosecution team, led by Malik D. Taiwo, deserved enough time to file a formal response. The court added that the defense must either withdraw the motion or allow the prosecution to respond properly.
The defendants earlier secured bail after their first appearance on March 11. They also pleaded not guilty to all charges.
Police Accuse Doctor of IVF Fraud and Embryo Theft
The Inspector General of Police alleged that Dr. Abebe and his hospital engaged in fraudulent IVF practices between January and May 2025.
According to Count Three, the prosecution claimed the doctor deceived Mrs. Mary Manga and her husband. The police alleged that the couple lost N19 million during the process.
Investigators further accused the doctor of converting some embryos and the money for personal use. Prosecutors said the alleged act violated Section 1 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act, 2006.
Alleged Breach of Medical Confidentiality
In Count Two, the prosecution accused the doctor of violating a confidentiality agreement with Mr. Adamu Hassan, the victim’s husband.
Police alleged that Dr. Abebe attached Hassan’s fertility records to a Demand and Pre-Action Notice sent to a third-party law firm. The medical document reportedly revealed the husband’s “poor fertility status.”
The prosecution argued that the disclosure breached medical ethics and patient confidentiality laws.
Illegal Disclosure of Patient’s Medical Records
Count One focused on the alleged release of Mrs. Mary Manga’s confidential medical records.
According to the charge sheet, the doctor allegedly published the records without authorization on August 6, 2025.
The complainants claimed the disclosure traumatized Mrs. Manga. They also stated that she had not recovered from the emotional shock caused by the incident.
Police said the action violated Section 29 of the National Health Act, 2014.
Court to Continue Hearing in June
Justice Fashola adjourned the matter until June 18, 2026, for continuation of hearing.
The case continues to attract attention because of the serious allegations involving IVF treatment, embryo handling, and medical privacy.
