The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old woman, Khadija Ibrahim, of Rikoto, Zuru Local Government Area, over the alleged theft of a newborn baby.
Gatekeepers News reports that the command’s spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed this in a statement, saying the incident occurred on July 23, 2025, when the suspect allegedly took advantage of a woman who had just given birth.
According to the statement, Ibrahim was pretending to assist Fatima Muhammad shortly after she delivered her baby when she offered to fetch hot water. She allegedly left with the newborn and did not return.
Preliminary investigation reportedly showed that the suspect had been under social and emotional pressure over not having a child, while some of her peers had already become mothers.
The police said Ibrahim had allegedly deceived her husband for about nine months into believing that she was pregnant. Following the birth of Muhammad’s baby, she allegedly stole the newborn and presented the child 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 statement said.
The command added that the suspect remained in police custody and would be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction after the conclusion of investigations.
“The suspect remains in police custody and will be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction upon conclusion of investigation and in accordance with applicable law,” it said.
The State Commissioner of Police, Umar M. Hadejia, commended the police operatives for their diligence and professionalism in securing the safe return of the baby and arresting the suspect.
Hadejia reassured members of the public that the command remained committed to protecting children and ensuring that anyone found culpable was brought to justice.
