Woman arrested for stealing newborn in Kebbi

Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old woman, Khadija Ibrahim, for allegedly stealing a newborn baby from its mother in Zuru Local Government Area. The incident occurred on July 23, 2025, and the suspect was apprehended on August 14, 2026, following an investigation.

According to the police, Ibrahim allegedly stole the infant shortly after the biological mother, Fatima Muhammad, gave birth. The suspect had offered to help Muhammad by fetching hot water, but then fled with the newborn. Preliminary investigations suggest Ibrahim was under significant social and emotional pressure due to not having had a child, while many of her peers had already given birth. She had reportedly deceived her husband for approximately nine months, making him believe she was pregnant.

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Preliminary investigation revealed that the suspect had allegedly been under social and emotional pressure over not yet having a child, as some of her peers had already given birth.

The police statement detailed that Ibrahim presented the stolen baby to her husband as their own. The child has since been recovered and safely reunited with its biological mother. The suspect remains in custody, awaiting charges upon the conclusion of the police investigation.

Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Umar Hadejia, praised the officers for their diligent work in recovering the baby and apprehending the suspect. He reassured the public of the command's commitment to protecting children and ensuring that all criminal offenders are brought to justice. The police also urged the public to continue providing valuable information to aid security agencies in safeguarding vulnerable individuals and preventing crimes against children.

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After the birth of Fatima Muhammad’s baby, [she] allegedly took the child and presented it to her husband as their own.