The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old woman in Zuru Local Government Area for allegedly stealing a newborn baby and presenting the child to her husband as her own.
The command disclosed the arrest in a statement issued on August 16, 2026, by its Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman.
According to the police, the incident occurred on July 23, 2025, when the suspect allegedly visited Fatima Muhammad shortly after she had given birth.
The suspect reportedly offered to help the new mother by fetching hot water. However, instead of returning with the water, she allegedly fled with the newborn.
Police investigations reportedly revealed that the suspect had been facing emotional and social pressure over her inability to have a child, especially as some of her peers had already become mothers.
The command further alleged that the woman had spent about nine months pretending to her husband that she was pregnant. When the supposed period of delivery arrived, she allegedly stole Muhammad’s newborn and presented the baby to her husband.
Following sustained investigations, police operatives arrested the suspect on August 14, 2026, and recovered the child.
The baby has since been reunited with the biological mother, while the suspect remains in police custody pending the conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State, CP Umar Hadejia, commended the officers involved for their efforts in recovering the child and apprehending the suspect.
He assured residents that the command would continue to protect children and ensure that anyone found responsible for such offences is brought to justice.
The suspect is expected to be arraigned in court after investigations are concluded.
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