The police in the Federal Capital Territory have arraigned an Abuja-based medical practitioner, John Abebe, before a High Court over the alleged unlawful sale of a couple’s embryos and disclosure of their confidential medical records.
Abebe, who is also said to be a pastor with Living Faith Church, was brought before Justice A. A. Fashola of the FCT High Court on Wednesday alongside his hospital, Joje Abebe Fertility Centre Limited.
The defendants are facing three counts bordering on fraud and criminal conspiracy, according to a charge sheet obtained by TheCable.
Police alleged that the doctor unlawfully sold embryos belonging to a couple identified as Mr and Mrs Mary Manga and also released their private medical records without their consent.
The prosecution further accused him of defrauding the couple of N19m in the process, an act said to be in violation of Section 29 of the National Health Act, 2014.
One of the charges alleged that Abebe, a consultant obstetrician and gynaecologist who headed the fertility centre located on Bamanga Tukur Street in the Gudu District of Abuja, improperly disclosed the couple’s medical records while they were under his care.
The charge stated that the action exposed the victims to emotional trauma and breached the professional oath binding medical practitioners to protect patients’ confidential information.
According to the prosecution, the offence is punishable under Section 299 of the National Health Act, 2014.
However, the doctor and his hospital pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read in court.
Justice Fashola subsequently granted the defendant bail in the sum of N5m.
The judge adjourned the case until April 2 for the commencement of trial.