By: Odeh Favour Adiya
Operatives of the Kebbi State Police Command have 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, who resides in the Rikoto area of Zuru LGA, was apprehended on August 14, 2026, following a sustained investigation into the theft, which took place on July 23, 2025.
It was gathered that the suspect allegedly stole the baby shortly after the biological mother, identified as Fatima Muhammad, was delivered of the child.
Confirming the incident in a statement issued on Sunday, the Police Public Relations Officer for the command, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed that Khadija had gained access to the new mother by offering to help her fetch hot water, only to flee with the infant.
According to the police spokesperson, the suspect was driven by societal pressure over her inability to conceive.
“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,” the statement partly read.
“After the birth of Fatima Muhammad’s baby, [she] allegedly took the child and presented it to her husband as their own,” the statement added.
Police further revealed that prior to the theft, Khadija had deceived her husband for about nine months, making him believe she was pregnant.
The police confirmed that the baby has since been recovered and safely reunited with the biological mother, while the suspect remains in police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
Reacting to the arrest, the Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Umar Hadejia, commended the operatives for their diligence and professionalism in recovering the baby and apprehending the suspect.
He reassured residents that the command remains committed to protecting children and ensuring that anyone found culpable of criminal acts is brought to justice.
The police also appealed to members of the public to continue providing useful information to assist security agencies in safeguarding vulnerable persons and preventing crimes against children.
