The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old woman for allegedly stealing a newborn baby and presenting the child to her husband as her own.
The incident reportedly occurred on July 23, 2025, in Zuru Local Government Area of the state.
According to the police, the suspect allegedly visited a woman identified as Fatima Muhammad shortly after she gave birth and offered to help her fetch hot water.
However, investigators said the suspect allegedly used the opportunity to leave with the newborn instead of returning with the water.
Suspect Allegedly Hid Pregnancy Truth From Husband
Preliminary investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect had been facing emotional and social pressure over her inability to have a child.
Police said she had allegedly told her husband for about nine months that she was pregnant, despite not actually being so.
Following the alleged abduction, she reportedly took the newborn home and presented the child to her husband as their baby.
The suspect was eventually arrested on August 14, 2026, following sustained investigations by the police.
Baby Reunited With Biological Mother
The stolen newborn was recovered by the police and safely reunited with the biological mother.
The suspect remains in police custody and is expected to be charged to court after investigations are concluded, in accordance with the law.
The Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State, CP Umar Hadejia, commended the officers involved for their diligence and professionalism in recovering the child and apprehending the suspect.
Hadejia also assured residents that the command would continue to protect children and ensure that anyone found responsible for such offences is brought to justice.
The police statement was signed by the Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, on August 16, 2026.
Kebbi Police Rescue Newborn, Arrest 19-Year-Old Woman Over Alleged Baby Theft
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