The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old woman, Khadija Ibrahim, for allegedly stealing a newborn baby in Zuru Local Government Area of the state.
Police said the suspect allegedly took the baby shortly after the child’s biological mother, Fatima Muhammad, gave birth.
The command said Ibrahim later presented the newborn to her husband as their own child.
Police arrested Ibrahim on August 14, 2026, after a sustained investigation into the case. Officers also recovered the baby and reunited the child with the biological mother.
The incident dates back to July 23, 2025. According to the police, Ibrahim visited Fatima shortly after she gave birth.
She allegedly offered to help the new mother by fetching hot water.
However, police said Ibrahim did not return with the water. Instead, she allegedly fled with the newborn.
The police identified the suspect as a resident of Rikoto in Zuru Local Government Area
According to the police, Ibrahim gained access to the newborn by pretending to help the mother.
Fatima had just given birth when the suspect allegedly offered to assist her.
Police said Ibrahim used the opportunity to take the baby away.
Investigators later looked into the circumstances surrounding the child’s disappearance. Their findings allegedly revealed that the suspect had faced social and emotional pressure over her inability to have a child.
Police said some of her peers had already given birth, which allegedly added to the pressure she faced.
The command also alleged that Ibrahim had deceived her husband for about nine months.
She allegedly made him believe that she was pregnant throughout that period.
After Fatima gave birth, police said Ibrahim allegedly took the newborn and presented the baby to her husband as their child.
The police investigation continued for several months before officers arrested the suspect.
Police eventually arrested Ibrahim on August 14, 2026.
Officers also found the stolen baby and safely reunited the child with Fatima.
The recovery brought an end to the baby’s separation from the biological mother.
The police did not disclose where officers found the baby or provide further details about the circumstances of the child’s recovery.
The command also did not disclose how the alleged deception came to light.
Ibrahim remains in police custody as investigators continue to work on the case.
The Kebbi State Police Command said it would charge her to court after completing the investigation.
Police said the prosecution would follow the applicable law.
The command has not announced the specific charges the suspect will face in court.
The police also urged members of the public to provide useful information that can help security agencies protect vulnerable people and prevent crimes against children.
The Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State, CP Umar M. Hadejia, commended the officers who worked on the case.
Hadejia praised the operatives for their diligence and professionalism.
He particularly commended them for recovering the newborn and reuniting the child with the biological mother.
The Commissioner also assured residents that the police would continue to protect children across the state.
He said the command would ensure that anyone found responsible for criminal acts faces justice.
The police statement came from the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, on August 16, 2026.
The case remains under investigation, while the suspect awaits the completion of the police process before her expected arraignment in court.
