Kebbi Woman Arrested for Allegedly Stealing Newborn to Deceive Husband

Kebbi Woman Arrested for Allegedly Stealing Newborn to Deceive Husband

The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old woman, Khadija Ibrahim, for allegedly abducting a newborn baby and presenting the child to her husband as her own after faking a nine-month pregnancy.

Ibrahim, a resident of Rikoto in Zuru Local Government Area, was arrested on August 14, 2026, following a sustained police investigation into the incident. The alleged theft occurred on July 23, 2025, when Ibrahim reportedly approached Fatima Muhammad, who had just given birth, and offered to assist her by fetching hot water. According to police statements, instead of returning with the water, Ibrahim fled with the newborn.

The Police Public Relations Officer of the command, SP Bashir Usman, confirmed the arrest in a statement released on August 16, 2026. Preliminary investigations revealed that Ibrahim had been under significant social and emotional pressure due to her inability to have a child, particularly as many of her peers had already given birth. The police said she allegedly deceived her husband for about nine months into believing she was pregnant. After the birth of Fatima Muhammad’s baby, she allegedly took the child and presented the newborn to her husband as their own.

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Police operatives successfully recovered the baby, who has since been safely reunited with the biological mother. The suspect remains in police custody and is expected to be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations, in accordance with applicable law. The Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Umar M. Hadejia, 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 ensuring that anyone found culpable is brought to justice. The police also urged members of the public to continue providing useful information that could assist security agencies in protecting vulnerable persons and preventing crimes against children.

Kebbi Woman Arrested for Allegedly Stealing Newborn to Deceive Husband