February 22, 2026 — SUNTV Global Channel Report
The Federal Government has dragged an Abuja-based fertility specialist, Dr. John Onuwabhagbe Abebe, to court over allegations of fraud, breach of medical confidentiality, and the shocking sale of a couple’s embryos.
The criminal charges were filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja, by the Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, against Dr. Abebe and his firm, Joje Abebe Fertility Centre Limited.
Dr. Abebe, who also serves as a pastor at Living Faith Church (Winners’ Chapel), Durumi, Abuja, is facing a three-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, unlawful disclosure of medical records, and obtaining money under false pretences.
According to court documents, prosecutors accused the doctor of illegally releasing the private medical records of a patient, Mrs. Mary Manga, without her consent — an act said to violate provisions of Nigeria’s National Health Act, 2014.
Authorities also allege that he exposed sensitive fertility details of Mrs. Manga’s husband by attaching confidential medical information to a legal document that later became publicly accessible, causing emotional trauma to the family.
The government further claims that between January and May 2025, Dr. Abebe allegedly collected N19 million from the couple after presenting himself as an IVF specialist.
Prosecutors argue he diverted the funds for personal use, an offence punishable under the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.
In what authorities describe as one of the most disturbing aspects of the case, the doctor is accused of unlawfully selling the couple’s fully developed embryos to other patients.
If proven, legal observers say the case could become one of Nigeria’s most serious fertility-related scandals, raising major concerns about medical ethics and patient protection in reproductive health services.
The matter is currently before Justice A. A. Fashola of the FCT High Court in Abuja and is expected to test key issues surrounding medical ethics, patient confidentiality, and enforcement of health and fraud laws in Nigeria.
SUNTV Global Channel will continue to monitor the case and provide updates as proceedings unfold.
