An Abuja High Court sitting in Gudu has postponed the ongoing trial involving Dr. John Abebe and Joje Abebe Hospital Limited over allegations of IVF fraud, embryo theft, and unauthorized release of patients’ medical information.
Justice Akeem Fashola adjourned the case until June 18, 2026, after a disagreement between the defense and prosecution regarding a pending legal application.
The doctor and his hospital are facing a three-count charge filed by the Nigeria Police Force. They pleaded not guilty when first arraigned in March.
According to court documents, prosecutors allege that Dr. Abebe unlawfully released confidential medical records belonging to a patient, Mrs. Mary Manga, causing emotional distress. He is also accused of violating a confidentiality agreement by including sensitive fertility information about her husband, Mr. Adamu Hassan, in a legal notice sent to another law firm.
In the third charge, prosecutors claim the doctor allegedly deceived the couple out of ₦19 million during fertility treatments and unlawfully converted some of their embryos for personal use.
During the latest hearing, defense lawyer Marvin Omorogbe attempted to proceed with the trial despite an unresolved application. However, Justice Fashola ruled that the prosecution, led by Malik D. Taiwo, must first be allowed time to respond formally unless the motion is withdrawn.
Dr. Abebe, who is currently out on bail, is expected to return to court in June for further proceedings.
