The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old woman, Khadija Ibrahim, for allegedly stealing a newborn baby in Zuru Local Government Area and attempting to pass the child off as her own.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, the incident occurred on July 23, 2025, when the suspect allegedly approached Fatima Muhammad, who had just given birth, and offered to fetch hot water for her.
The police said Khadija allegedly used the opportunity to flee with the newborn.
Preliminary investigation, according to the Command, revealed that the suspect had allegedly been under social and emotional pressure over not having a child while some of her peers had already given birth.
She allegedly deceived her husband for about nine months into believing that she was pregnant and, following the birth of Fatima’s baby, allegedly took the child and presented the newborn to her husband as their own.
The suspect was arrested on August 14, 2026, following sustained investigation by the police.
The stolen baby was subsequently recovered and safely reunited with the biological mother.
The suspect remains in police custody and is expected to be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations, in accordance with the law.
The Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Umar M. Hadejia, commended the officers involved for their diligence and professionalism, particularly in securing the safe return of the baby.
He reassured residents that the Command remained committed to protecting children and ensuring that anyone found culpable of such offences would face justice.