The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old woman, Khadija Ibrahim, for allegedly stealing a newborn baby to pass off her own.
The spokesperson for the command, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed this in a statement on 16th August 2026.
According to the PPRO, the incident occurred on July 23, 2025 in Zuru Local Government Area when the suspect allegedly visited one Fatima Muhammad shortly after she gave birth and offered to assist her by fetching hot water.
The suspect allegedly used the opportunity to flee with the newborn instead of returning with the water.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had allegedly been under social and emotional pressure over her inability to have a child, particularly as some of her peers had already given birth.
The police said she allegedly deceived her husband for about nine months into believing that she was pregnant and, after the birth of the stolen baby, allegedly took the child and presented it to him as their own.
“The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested Khadija Ibrahim, female, aged 19, of Rikoto, Zuru LGA, in connection with the alleged theft of a newborn baby in Zuru,” the statement read.
“The incident occurred on 23rd July 2025, when the suspect, while pretending to assist Fatima Muhammad, who had just given birth, allegedly offered to fetch hot water but instead fled with the newborn.
“Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect had allegedly been under social and emotional pressure over not yet having a child, as some of her peers had already given birth.
“She consequently allegedly deceived her husband for about nine months into believing that she was pregnant and, after the birth of Fatima Muhammad’s baby, allegedly took the child and presented it to her husband as their own.
“The suspect was arrested on 14th August 2026 following sustained investigation. The baby was found and safely reunited with the biological mother.
“The suspect remains in police custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation and in accordance with applicable law.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadejia, psc, MNIM, commends the operatives for their diligence and professionalism in securing the safe return of the baby and arresting the suspect.
“He reassures the public that the Command remains committed to protecting children and bringing anyone found culpable to justice.”