The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old woman, Khadija Ibrahim, for allegedly stealing a newborn baby and presenting the child to her husband as her own.
The command’s spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday, August 16, 2026.
According to the police, the incident occurred on July 23, 2025, in Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi State. The suspect allegedly visited Fatima Muhammad shortly after she had given birth and offered to help her fetch hot water.
However, instead of returning with the water, Khadija allegedly fled with the newborn.
The police said preliminary investigations showed that the suspect had been under social and emotional pressure over her inability to have a child, particularly because some of her peers had already become mothers.
She allegedly told her husband for about nine months that she was pregnant and, after Fatima gave birth, allegedly took the baby and presented the child to him as their own.
The police said Khadija was arrested on August 14, 2026, following sustained investigations. 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.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadejia, commended the officers involved for their diligence and professionalism in recovering the child and apprehending the suspect.
He also assured members of the public that the command would continue to protect children and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
