Court Arraigns Abuja Pastor For Alleged Unlawful Sale of Couple’s Embryo

The police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have arraigned an Abuja-based fertility doctor, John Abebe, over allegations that he unlawfully sold a couple’s embryos and exposed their confidential medical records.

Abebe, who is also said to be a pastor at Living Faith Church, was brought before Justice A. A. Fashola of the FCT High Court alongside his hospital, Joje Abebe Fertility Centre Limited. He is facing a three-count charge bordering on fraud, criminal conspiracy, and breach of medical confidentiality.

According to the charge sheet, the doctor allegedly defrauded the couple of N19 million and released their private medical information to members of the public without their consent. The offence is said to violate provisions of the National Health Act 2014.

Prosecutors told the court that the doctor, while in custody of the couple’s medical records relating to their health and reproductive status, abused his position by disclosing the information and causing emotional distress to the victims.

Abebe and his hospital pleaded not guilty to the charges. The court granted him bail in the sum of N5 million and adjourned the case until April 2 for trial.