The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old woman for allegedly stealing a newborn baby in Zuru Local Government Area and presenting the child to her husband as her biological child.
According to the police, the incident occurred on July 23, 2025, when the suspect allegedly visited Fatima Muhammad shortly after she gave birth and volunteered to assist by fetching hot water.
As reported by Sahara Reporters, the suspect allegedly took advantage of the opportunity to flee with the newborn instead of returning to the mother.
The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, disclosed in a statement that preliminary investigations revealed the suspect had allegedly been under emotional and social pressure because she had been unable to have a child while many of her peers had already become mothers.
Police investigations further alleged that the suspect deceived her husband for approximately nine months, making him believe she was pregnant before allegedly presenting the stolen baby to him after the child’s birth.
The suspect was arrested on August 14, 2026, following what the police described as sustained investigations.
Authorities confirmed that the baby was successfully recovered and safely reunited with the biological mother.
According to Sahara Reporters, the suspect remains in police custody and will be charged to court upon the conclusion of investigations.
The Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Hadejia, commended the officers involved in the operation for their professionalism and swift action, assuring residents that the Command remains committed to protecting children and ensuring justice for victims of crime.
The statement was signed by the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, on August 16, 2026.
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