Kebbi Police Arrest 19-Year-Old Woman Over Alleged Newborn Theft

The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old woman, Khadija Ibrahim, over the alleged theft of a newborn baby in Zuru Local Government Area of the state. The suspect, a resident of Rikoto in Zuru LGA, was arrested on August 14, 2026, following an investigation into the incident, which reportedly occurred on July 23, 2025. According to the police, Khadija allegedly took the baby shortly after the child’s biological mother, Fatima Muhammad, gave birth.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, said in a statement on Sunday that the suspect had offered to help the new mother by fetching hot water, but allegedly fled with the newborn. Police investigations reportedly showed that the suspect had been under emotional and social pressure over not having a child, particularly as some of her peers had already become mothers. The command further alleged that Khadija had deceived her husband for about nine months by making him believe she was pregnant. Following the birth of Fatima Muhammad’s baby, she allegedly took the child and presented the newborn to her husband as their own. The police said the baby was later recovered and safely reunited with the biological mother. Khadija remains in police custody and is expected to be charged to court after the investigation is completed. The Commissioner of Police in Kebbi, CP Umar Hadejia, commended the officers involved for their professionalism and efforts in recovering the child. He assured residents that the command would continue to protect children and ensure that anyone found responsible for criminal offences is brought to justice. The police also urged members of the public to provide useful information to security agencies to help protect vulnerable persons and prevent crimes against children.

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