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 of the state and presenting the child to her husband as her own.
The suspect, a resident of Rikoto in Zuru LGA, was arrested on August 14, 2026, following sustained investigation into the alleged incident, which occurred on July 23, 2025.
According to a statement issued on Sunday by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, the suspect allegedly took the baby shortly after its biological mother, Fatima Muhammad, gave birth.
The police said Khadija had offered to assist the new mother by fetching hot water, but allegedly used the opportunity to flee with the newborn.
The command said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect had allegedly been under social and emotional pressure over not having a child, particularly as some of her peers had already given birth.
The police further alleged that Khadija deceived her husband for about nine months into believing that she was pregnant before allegedly taking Fatima Muhammad’s newborn and presenting the child to him as their own.
Following the investigation, the baby was 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.
The Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Umar Hadejia, commended the police operatives for their diligence and professionalism in recovering the baby and arresting the suspect.
He reassured residents that the command would continue to protect children and ensure that anyone found culpable of criminal acts is brought to justice.
The police also urged members of the public to continue providing credible information that could assist security agencies in protecting vulnerable persons and preventing crimes against children.
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