Doctor Arraigned Over Alleged N19m IVF Scam, Medical Records Leak

A Federal Capital Territory High Court in Jabi, Abuja, on Wednesday granted bail in the sum of N5 million to an Abuja-based fertility specialist, John Abebe, following his arraignment on a three-count charge of fraud, criminal conspiracy, and unlawful disclosure of confidential medical records.

Abebe was arraigned alongside his medical facility, Joje Abebe Hospital Limited, before Justice A. A. Fashola of the FCT High Court.

The case was instituted by the Inspector General of Police following a petition to the Nigeria Police Force by one Mr Hassan Turaki.

The prosecution alleged that the medical practitioner unlawfully released the confidential medical records of a patient, Mrs Mary Manga, and her husband to the public without her consent, an act said to violate Section 29 of the National Health Act 2014.

According to court documents, the alleged offence occurred in Abuja, where Abebe, described as a chief consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist, was accused of disclosing the couple’s medical information without authorisation.

The charges further alleged that the doctor defrauded the couple of N19 million between January and May 2025 under the pretext of providing In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment.

Prosecutors told the court that Abebe allegedly obtained the money by falsely presenting himself as a specialist in IVF procedures and later converted the funds to personal use.

The offence is said to be punishable under Section 1 of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006.

However, the management of Joje Abebe Fertility Centre Ltd had, in a public statement, denied all allegations and described the petition and the resulting charge as a smear campaign aimed at tarnishing Dr Abebe’s image.

During the proceedings, the defendant’s counsel, Barrister Marvin Omorogbe, applied for bail on behalf of his client. The application was not opposed by the prosecuting counsel, Barrister Joseph Wada.

Justice Fashola subsequently granted Abebe bail in the sum of N5 million with one reliable surety in like sum.

The case was adjourned until April 2, 2026, for trial. (Daily trust)