The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old woman, identified as 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 police investigations into the incident, which reportedly occurred on July 23, 2025.
According to the police, Khadija allegedly took advantage of the moments shortly after the baby’s biological mother, Fatima Muhammad, had given birth. She reportedly offered to assist the new mother by fetching hot water, but allegedly fled with the newborn.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said preliminary investigations indicated that the suspect had allegedly been experiencing social and emotional pressure over her inability to have a child, particularly as some of her peers had already become mothers.
Police further alleged that Khadija had deceived her husband for approximately nine months into believing that she was pregnant.
Following the birth of Fatima Muhammad’s baby, the suspect allegedly took the newborn and presented the child to her husband as their own, according to the police statement.
The baby was subsequently recovered by the police and safely reunited with the biological mother. The suspect remains in police custody and is expected to be charged to court after investigators conclude their inquiries.
The Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State, CP Umar Hadejia, commended the officers involved in the investigation for their diligence and professionalism, particularly in recovering the newborn and apprehending the suspect.
The command also reassured residents of its commitment to protecting children and vulnerable persons, urging members of the public to provide credible information that could assist security agencies in preventing crimes against children and bringing offenders to justice.