Pastor John Abebe: FG Files Fresh 12-Count Charge Over Embryo Sale, Fraud Claims

The Federal Government has filed a fresh 12-count criminal charge against Pastor John Abebe, an Abuja-based fertility doctor accused of selling human embryos, unlawfully disclosing medical records and committing fraud.

The Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Lateef Fagbemi, SAN, filed the new charge on 21 July 2026 at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja.

Prosecutors also named Joje Abebe Fertility Centre Limited and Balikis Olanike Bakare as defendants. Bakare was not included in the original three-count charge filed by the Inspector General of Police in January.

The new case expands the allegations against Pastor John Abebe and the other defendants. They face allegations including criminal conspiracy, conspiracy to commit fraud and providing false information to investigators.

Abebe and the hospital were first arraigned on 11 March before Justice Akeem A. Fashola at the FCT High Court in Jabi, Abuja. The court later granted them bail.

However, the case took a new turn in June. The Attorney General took over the prosecution from the police after concerns emerged over the handling of the earlier arraignment.

According to the fresh charge, prosecutors allege that Abebe sold nine of 12 embryos belonging to a couple, identified as Mr and Mrs Adamu Hassan, to other patients.

The embryos reportedly included two male and seven female embryos.

Prosecutors also accuse Abebe of defrauding the couple of N19 million. They further allege that he administered fake or substandard drugs, which allegedly affected the woman’s health.

In another allegation, prosecutors claim Abebe and Bakare said two male embryos had been transferred to a purported surrogate mother, Joy Ene Pius.

However, investigators reportedly found evidence that contradicted that account.

The allegations have not been proved in court. The defendants remain entitled to a fair hearing and are presumed innocent unless found guilty.