Police Arrest 19-Year-Old Woman for Alleged Abduction of Newborn Baby in Kebbi
The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old woman, Khadija Ibrahim, of Rikoto in Zuru Local Government Area, for allegedly stealing a newborn baby and attempting to pass the child off as her own.
According to a statement issued by the Command’s Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, on Sunday, the incident occurred on July 23, 2025, in Zuru, shortly after the baby’s biological mother, Fatima Muhammad, gave birth.
The suspect allegedly approached the mother under the guise of offering assistance and volunteered to fetch hot water. However, she reportedly fled with the newborn instead.
Preliminary investigations by the police revealed that the suspect had allegedly been experiencing social and emotional pressure over her inability to have a child, particularly as some of her peers had already given birth.
The police further alleged that Khadija had deceived her husband for approximately nine months by making him believe that she was pregnant. Following the birth of Fatima Muhammad’s baby, she allegedly took the newborn and presented the child to her husband as their own.
After sustained investigation, police operatives arrested the suspect on August 14, 2026. The stolen baby was subsequently recovered and safely reunited with the biological mother.
The suspect remains in police custody while investigation continues. The Command said she would be charged before a court upon completion of the investigation and in accordance with applicable laws.
The Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Umar M. Hadejia, psc, MNIM, commended the police operatives for their diligence and professionalism in securing the safe recovery of the baby and arresting the suspect.
The Commissioner also reassured residents that the Command would continue to prioritise the protection of children and ensure that anyone found culpable of criminal acts is brought to justice.
The police urged members of the public to remain vigilant and promptly report suspicious activities involving children to the appropriate authorities.