Police in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have arraigned an Abuja-based fertility specialist, John Abebe, over the alleged unlawful sale of a couple’s embryos and the disclosure of their confidential medical records.
Abebe, who is also a pastor at 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.
According to a charge sheet cited by TheCable, the doctor is facing three counts bordering on fraud, criminal conspiracy and breach of medical confidentiality.
Prosecutors alleged that Abebe defrauded a couple, identified as Mr. and Mrs. Mary Manga, of N19 million in connection with their embryos, in an act said to contravene provisions of the National Health Act, 2014.
One of the counts alleged that the doctor, while in custody of the couple’s medical records relating to their health and reproductive status, unlawfully disclosed the confidential information without their consent.
The charge stated that the alleged disclosure exposed the victims to public embarrassment and trauma, an action said to violate the oath expected of a medical professional.
The offence is said to be punishable under Section 299 of the National Health Act, 2014.
Abebe and his hospital, however, pleaded not guilty when the charges were read in court.
Justice Fashola subsequently granted the defendant bail in the sum of N5 million and adjourned the case until April 2 for trial.
Source: TheCable
