Woman allegedly steals newborn after deceiving husband over pregnancy in Kebbi

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 command disclosed this in a statement issued on Sunday by its spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, saying the suspect allegedly took the baby shortly after the mother, Fatima Muhammad, gave birth on July 23, 2025.

According to the statement, Ibrahim, a resident of Rikoto, had offered to help Muhammad fetch hot water after she delivered her baby but allegedly fled with the newborn.

Police said preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect had allegedly been under pressure over not having a child, particularly as some of her peers had already given birth.

The command alleged that Ibrahim had deceived her husband for about nine months into believing that she was pregnant. After Muhammad gave birth, she allegedly took the baby and presented the child to her husband as their own.

Following sustained investigation, the suspect was arrested on August 14, 2026, while the baby was recovered and reunited with the biological mother.

The police said Ibrahim remains in custody and would 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.