19-year-old woman arrested over alleged theft of newborn baby in Kebbi

A 19-year-old woman, Khadija Ibrahim, has been arrested by the Kebbi State Police Command for allegedly stealing a newborn baby shortly after the child’s mother gave birth in Zuru Local Government Area of the state.

According to the police, the incident occurred on July 23, 2025, after the baby’s mother, Fatima Muhammad, delivered her child.

Ibrahim, a resident of Rikoto, had allegedly offered to help Muhammad fetch hot water shortly after the delivery but reportedly fled with the newborn.

Preliminary investigation by the police reportedly showed that Ibrahim had been under pressure over not having a child, particularly after some of her peers had given birth.

The police further alleged that the suspect had deceived her husband for about nine months by making him believe she was pregnant.

After Muhammad gave birth, Ibrahim allegedly took the baby and presented the child to her husband as their own.

Following sustained investigation, police operatives arrested Ibrahim on August 14, 2026, while the stolen baby was successfully recovered and reunited with the biological mother.

The suspect remains in police custody and is expected to be charged to court after the completion of investigations.

The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadejia, commended the officers involved in the investigation for their diligence and professionalism, particularly for ensuring the safe recovery of the child.