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An Abuja High Court sitting in Gudu has adjourned the trial of medical practitioner, Dr. John Abebe, and his facility, Joje Abebe Hospital Limited, over allegations of IVF fraud, embryo theft, and unlawful disclosure of confidential patient information. Justice Akeem Fashola fixed June 18, 2026, for continuation of proceedings following disagreements between the prosecution and defence over a pending application before the court. 
Dr. Abebe and his hospital are facing a three-count charge filed by the Inspector General of Police bordering on criminal conspiracy, fraud, and breach of medical confidentiality. According to the charge sheet, the doctor allegedly released the confidential medical records of a patient, Mrs. Mary Manga, to the public without authorisation, an act prosecutors say violated provisions of the National Health Act, 2014. 
The prosecution also accused the fertility specialist of disclosing the medical history of the victim’s husband, including details about his fertility status, in a legal document sent to a third-party law firm. In the most serious allegation, prosecutors claimed that between January and May 2025, Abebe fraudulently collected ₦19 million from the couple under the guise of providing IVF treatment and allegedly converted both the funds and some of the couple’s embryos for personal use. 
During Tuesday’s proceedings, defence counsel Marvin Omorogbe initially attempted to move an application before later indicating readiness to proceed with trial. However, the court ruled that the prosecution must first be given time to formally respond to the application unless it was withdrawn. Dr. Abebe, who had earlier pleaded not guilty and was granted bail, is expected to return to court on June 18 as the controversial fertility fraud case continues to attract national attention. 
