Sani Dutsinma
The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old woman, Khadija Ibrahim, in connection with the alleged theft of a newborn baby in Zuru Local Government Area of the state.
The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, confirmed the arrest in a statement, saying the suspect is from Rikoto in Zuru LGA.
According to the statement, the incident occurred after Fatima Muhammad gave birth to the baby, when the suspect allegedly offered to assist her by fetching hot water.
The suspect allegedly used the opportunity to flee with the newborn instead of returning with the hot water.
Preliminary investigation reportedly revealed that the suspect had been under social and emotional pressure over not having a child, 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.
Following the birth of Fatima Muhammad’s baby, the suspect allegedly took the child and presented him to her husband as their own.
The suspect was arrested on August 14, 2026, following sustained police investigation, while the baby was recovered and safely reunited with his biological mother.
The police said Khadija Ibrahim remains in custody and would be charged to court after the conclusion of investigation, in accordance with the law.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Hadejia, commended the operatives for their diligence and professionalism in recovering the baby and arresting the suspect, assuring the public that the Command remains committed to bringing anyone found culpable to justice.