The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old woman in Zuru Local Government Area for allegedly stealing a newborn baby and later presenting the child to her husband as her own.
According to the police, the incident occurred on July 23, 2025, shortly after Fatima Muhammad gave birth.
The suspect allegedly visited the new mother and offered to help her fetch hot water. Police said she instead used the opportunity to leave with the newborn and did not return.
Preliminary investigations reportedly showed that the suspect had been under social and emotional pressure over her inability to have a child. Police alleged that she had also deceived her husband for about nine months by making him believe she was pregnant.
After allegedly taking the baby, she reportedly presented the child to her husband as their own.
The suspect was eventually arrested on August 14, 2026, following sustained police investigations.
Police said the baby was recovered and safely reunited with the biological mother.
The suspect remains in custody and is expected to be charged to court after investigations are completed, in accordance with the law.
Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Hadejia, commended the officers involved for their diligence and professionalism in recovering the child and apprehending the suspect.
He also assured residents that the command would continue to protect children and ensure that anyone found culpable is brought to justice.
The police statement was signed by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, on August 16, 2026.
Source: Kebbi State Police Command.
