By Abubakar Yunusa
An Abuja-based medical doctor and pastor, Dr. John Abebe, has been arraigned before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory over alleged unlawful disclosure of patients’ confidential medical records and other related offences.
Dr. Abebe, who is also a pastor at Living Faith Church, popularly known as Winners Chapel, Durumi, Abuja, was arraigned alongside his hospital, Joje Abebe Hospital Limited, on a three-count charge filed by the Federal Government through the Inspector General of Police.
The case, presided over by Justice Akeem A. Fashola, was adjourned to June 18, 2026, for continuation of trial.
According to court documents, the prosecution accused the medical practitioner of unlawfully releasing the confidential medical records of a couple, Mr. and Mrs. Mary Manga, without their consent, contrary to the provisions of the National Health Act, 2014.
The prosecution alleged that Dr. Abebe disclosed sensitive information relating to the couple’s fertility and reproductive health status to third parties, an action said to have exposed the victims to emotional trauma and public embarrassment.
The charge further stated that the defendant attached the couple’s medical history to a legal document which allegedly became accessible to members of the public.
In addition to the alleged breach of confidentiality, the doctor was accused of defrauding the couple of N19 million under the pretext of offering In Vitro Fertilisation (IVF) treatment between January and May 2025.
The prosecution also alleged that some embryos belonging to the couple were converted for personal use, an allegation that has stirred public concern over ethical practices in fertility treatment.
At the resumed hearing on Wednesday, counsel to the defendant, Marvin Omorogbe, informed the court of a pending application and sought permission to move the motion.
However, prosecution counsel, Malik D. Taiwo, told the court that he had not been served with the application and requested time to study and respond to it.
Although the defence later indicated readiness to proceed with the substantive matter, Justice Fashola held that the trial could only continue if the pending application was withdrawn.
The court subsequently granted the prosecution time to respond to the motion and adjourned the matter to June 18, 2026.
Dr. Abebe and Joje Abebe Hospital Limited pleaded not guilty to all charges and have remained on bail since March 11, 2026.
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