A high-profile legal battle has begun in Abuja as In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) fraud case involving a medical doctor and pastor accused of defrauding a couple and breaching patient confidentiality was brought before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory.
The Federal Government on Thursday arraigned Dr. John Onuwabhagbe Abebe, an Abuja-based medical practitioner and pastor with Living Faith Church in Durumi, alongside his medical facility, Joje Abebe Hospital Limited.
The defendants were presented before Justice A. A. Fashola of the FCT High Court in Jabi on a three-count charge that includes fraud, criminal conspiracy, and unlawful disclosure of confidential medical records.
Prosecutors alleged that the incident at the centre of the IVF fraud case involved a married couple identified as Mrs. Mary Manga and her husband, Mr. Adamu Hassan, who reportedly sought fertility treatment at the hospital.
According to court documents, Dr. Abebe, described as a chief consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, allegedly assured the couple that he had the professional expertise required to carry out IVF treatment that could help them conceive.
Authorities claimed that the couple relied on the doctor’s representation and paid a total of N19 million for the fertility procedure between January and May 2025.
However, prosecutors told the court that the funds were allegedly diverted for personal use rather than being applied toward the promised treatment.
The prosecution said this alleged misrepresentation forms a key element of the IVF fraud case, arguing that the doctor knowingly presented himself as a specialist in fertility procedures despite allegedly lacking the required competence in the field.
Beyond the financial allegations, the case has drawn national attention because of claims relating to the handling of the couple’s embryos during the treatment process.
Investigators alleged that the doctor may have sold the couple’s fully developed embryos to other patients seeking fertility assistance.
If confirmed during trial, the allegation could become one of the most controversial fertility-related scandals in Nigeria’s medical history.
Legal analysts observing the IVF fraud case say the claim raises serious ethical questions about medical oversight, patient trust, and the regulation of fertility centres across the country.
Another major issue before the court concerns the alleged disclosure of private medical information belonging to the couple.
Prosecutors said Dr. Abebe unlawfully released the confidential medical records of Mrs. Manga and her husband to individuals outside the doctor-patient relationship.
The charge stated that the information included details relating to the husband’s reproductive health status and fertility challenges.
The records were allegedly attached to a legal document titled Demand/Pre-Action Notice, which was issued by a law firm and later received by a litigation secretary.
According to the prosecution, the document was subsequently accessed by individuals who were not authorised to view the couple’s medical history.
Authorities said the disclosure left the victims emotionally distressed and exposed them to embarrassment.
The alleged action was described as a breach of patient privacy and a violation of the provisions of the National Health Act 2014, which protects the confidentiality of medical records.
The prosecution argued that medical practitioners are bound by strict ethical rules that prohibit the release of sensitive health information without the consent of the patient involved.
When the charges were read in court, Dr. Abebe and Joje Abebe Hospital Limited pleaded not guilty to all the allegations listed in the charge sheet.
Following the plea, defence counsel Barrister Marvin Omorogbe applied for bail on behalf of the defendant.
The lawyer urged the court to allow the accused remain free while preparing for trial, noting that he would comply with any conditions imposed by the court.
The prosecuting counsel, Barrister Joseph Wada, did not oppose the bail application, leaving the decision to the discretion of the court.
After considering the submissions from both sides, Justice A. A. Fashola granted the defendant bail in the sum of N5 million.
The court also ordered that the accused must provide one reliable surety in the same amount.
According to the ruling, the surety must be a professional employed by a reputable and verifiable organisation capable of guaranteeing the defendant’s presence in court whenever required.
The judge warned that failure to comply with the bail conditions could lead to the revocation of the bail arrangement.
Legal proceedings in the IVF fraud case are expected to continue in the coming weeks as the prosecution prepares to present evidence and call witnesses to support its claims.
The court subsequently adjourned the matter until April 2, 2026, when the trial is scheduled to begin in full.
Observers say the outcome of the case could have far-reaching implications for medical practice, fertility treatment regulation, and patient rights in Nigeria, particularly as assisted reproductive technologies continue to gain popularity across the country.
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