The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old woman, Khadija Ibrahim, for allegedly stealing a newborn baby to pass off as her own. The suspect, a resident of Rikoto, Zuru Local Government Area, was taken into custody on 14th August 2026 following a sustained investigation.
Incident Details
According to the command's spokesperson, SP Bashir Usman, the incident occurred on July 23, 2025, in Zuru Local Government Area. The suspect allegedly visited one Fatima Muhammad shortly after she gave birth and offered to assist by fetching hot water. Instead of returning with the water, the suspect allegedly fled with the newborn.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had allegedly been under social and emotional pressure due to her inability to have a child, especially as some of her peers had already given birth. She allegedly deceived her husband for about nine months into believing she was pregnant, and after the birth of the stolen baby, she allegedly took the child and presented it to him as their own.
Police Statement
In a statement released on 16th August 2026, the police confirmed the arrest. The statement read: "The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested Khadija Ibrahim, female, aged 19, of Rikoto, Zuru LGA, in connection with the alleged theft of a newborn baby in Zuru."
The statement further detailed: "The incident occurred on 23rd July 2025, when the suspect, while pretending to assist Fatima Muhammad, who had just given birth, allegedly offered to fetch hot water but instead fled with the newborn. 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. She consequently allegedly deceived her husband for about nine months into believing that she was pregnant and, after the birth of Fatima Muhammad’s baby, allegedly took the child and presented it to her husband as their own."
Recovery and Next Steps
The police confirmed that the baby was found and safely reunited with the biological mother. The suspect remains in police custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of the investigation and in accordance with applicable law.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadejia, psc, MNIM, commended the operatives for their diligence and professionalism in securing the safe return of the baby and arresting the suspect. He reassured the public that the Command remains committed to protecting children and bringing anyone found culpable to justice.
