Center refutes allegation, says steps already taken to clear name

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

A medical fertility centre, Joje Abebe, has described as spurious and unfounded allegations against its Chief Medical Director, Dr. John Abebe, and the hospital.

According to a statement by the management of the centre, the allegations are false, malicious, reckless and calculated solely to injure the hard earned reputation of the institution and its leadership.

The statement said for over a decade, the centre has built an impeccable reputation for clinical excellence, ethical medical practice and strict patient confidentiality.

The statement further said at no time did the centre engaged in any conduct that would justify the defamatory narrative now being peddled in the public space

The centre accused one Adamu Turaki as the sponsor of the deliberately orchestrated and defamatory publications circulating on social media.

It warned sponsors of the defamatory publication to desist from such act as the case is before a law court.

The statement said, “We state categorically and without reservation that the allegations are false, malicious, reckless and calculated solely to injure the hard earned reputation of our institution and its leadership.

“For over a decade, we have built an impeccable reputation for clinical excellence, ethical medical practice and strict patient confidentiality. Our records speak for itself. At no time have we engaged in any conduct that would justify the defamatory narrative now being peddled in the public space.

“The deliberate publication and circulation of these baseless claims on multiple social media platforms is not accidental. It is a calculated attempt to mislead the public, erode confidence in our services and cause reputational and commercial damage to our business.

“While we do not intend to join issues on the substance of the allegations at this time, particularly as the matter is now before a court of competent jurisdiction where we have initiated steps to clear our name, we are constrained to address the public due to the deliberate and coordinated circulation of these claims widely on social media.

“We unequivocally reject these baseless allegations and assure our patients, partners and the general public that Joje Hospital remains fully committed to the highest standard of professionalism, ethics and patient care”.

The Federal Government has filed criminal charges against Abebe, who is also a pastor with Living Faith Church, Durumi, Abuja.

It accused him of fraud, criminal conspiracy, unlawful disclosure of confidential medical records, and alleged sale of a couple’s embryo.