Alleged IVF Fraud: AGF takes over trial of Abuja Doctor, 2 others

Nigeria's Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Prince Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, has assumed control of the prosecution against a fertility doctor based in Abuja, John Abebe, who faces charges of fraud and the unlawful disclosure of a patient's confidential medical records. The case, marked CR/005/2026, also names Joje Abebe Facility Centre Limited and Balikis Bakare as the second and third defendants.

The Federal Government alleges that the defendants violated Mrs. Mary Manga's right to medical confidentiality by revealing her private health information without consent, an act contrary to the National Health Act of 2014. Furthermore, the prosecution contends that Dr. Abebe breached a confidentiality agreement concerning Mrs. Manga's husband's reproductive health status. This breach allegedly occurred when confidential medical records were attached to a pre-action demand notice issued by his lawyers, making the sensitive documents accessible to third parties and causing emotional distress to the complainants.

In a separate count, the charge details allegations of fraud. Dr. Abebe is accused of fraudulently obtaining N19 million from complainants between January and May 2025 by falsely presenting himself as an in vitro fertilization (IVF) specialist. The prosecution further claims that he converted both the funds and embryos extracted from patients for his personal use, violating the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act of 2006.

While the Nigeria Police Force initially filed the charge before the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, the Attorney General's office applied to take over the prosecution. The defendants have pleaded not guilty to all allegations. Trial Justice A. A. Fashola had previously granted them bail on March 11, pending the determination of the case.