The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old woman identified as Khadija Ibrahim over the alleged theft of a newborn baby, which police said she reportedly intended to present as her own child.
The Command’s spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on August 16, 2026.
Woman Allegedly Took Baby While Offering to Help New Mother
According to the police, the incident occurred on July 23, 2025, in Zuru Local Government Area.
The suspect allegedly visited Fatima Muhammad, who had recently given birth, and offered to assist her by fetching hot water.
However, police alleged that Khadija used the opportunity to leave with the newborn instead of returning with the water.
Police Reveal Alleged Motive
Preliminary investigations reportedly indicated that the suspect had been experiencing social and emotional pressure over her inability to have a child, particularly because some of her peers had already become mothers.
The police alleged that she subsequently deceived her husband for approximately nine months, making him believe that she was pregnant.
Following the birth of Fatima’s baby, she allegedly took the newborn and presented the child to her husband 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.”
The baby has reportedly been safely reunited with the biological mother, while the suspect remains in police custody pending the conclusion of investigations.
The police said she would be charged to court in accordance with the law after the investigation is completed.