FG Charges Abuja Doctor Over IVF Fraud and Embryo Sale

On Monday, the Federal Government filed a fresh criminal charge against Dr John Abebe, an Abuja-based fertility doctor, for alleged fraud, unlawful disclosure of confidential medical records, and the sale of embryos. The case, numbered CR/005/2026, also involves Joje Abebe Fertility Centre Limited and Balkis Olanike Bakare.

The charge was filed at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, by the Office of the Attorney-General of the Federation. The allegations include unlawfully disclosing the medical records of Mr and Mrs Mary Manga without consent, violating Section 29 of the National Health Act, 2014.

Previously, Abebe was prosecuted by Inspector-General of Police Tunji Disu for similar allegations, with the initial arraignment occurring on March 11, 2026. The fresh charge claims Abebe obtained N19 million from the couple under false pretenses for IVF services and unlawfully dealt with their embryos, including selling nine embryos.

The actions are said to breach the couple's reproductive rights and medical confidentiality.