The law firm of Deji Adeyanju and Partners has publicly rebuked what it describes as a deliberate media campaign against its client, Dr John Abebe, a medical doctor, and his facility, Joje Abebe Hospital Limited. In a statement dated August 13, 2026, the firm dismissed reports of a fresh criminal charge as false and misleading.
Firm Insists No Fresh Charge Filed
The law firm said the reports claiming a new criminal charge had been filed against Dr Abebe were inaccurate. According to the statement, the correct position is that the office of the Attorney General of the Federation took over prosecution of the existing charge, Charge No. CR/005/26, from the Police some months ago.
The firm added that an amended charge was filed but has not yet been moved in court. "We wish to unequivocally state that no fresh criminal charge has been instituted against our client," the firm said in the statement. The case involves nominal complainants identified as Mr Adamu Hassan Turaki and his wife, Mrs Mary Manga Turaki.
Lawyers Warn Against Convicting Client in Public
The firm said the timing and pattern of the media reports suggest a coordinated effort to harm the doctor's reputation rather than genuine coverage of ongoing court proceedings. It stressed that all defendants remain entitled to the constitutional presumption of innocence until a competent court rules otherwise on the basis of admissible evidence.
"The guilt or innocence of the Defendants is not a matter to be determined by media reports, social-media publications or sensational headlines," the statement read. The management further called on journalists, media organisations, and commentators to exercise greater professionalism, verify facts before publication, and avoid reports that misrepresent the procedural status of the case.
"Continuing with the trend of inaccurate and misleading reports hints at a resolve to secure conviction in the court of public opinion rather than in the court room," the firm warned. The statement was signed by the firm's management and published on August 13, 2026.
