Woman allegedly steals newborn after deceiving husband over pregnancy in Kebbi

The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested 19-year-old Khadija Ibrahim in Zuru Local Government Area over allegations that she stole a newborn baby, according to a statement issued on Sunday. Police said the suspect took the baby shortly after its birth on July 23, 2025. The statement said Ibrahim, a resident of Rikoto, had offered to assist the mother, Fatima Muhammad, with fetching hot water after the birth, but allegedly fled with the newborn.

Preliminary investigations suggested that Ibrahim had been under stress due to not having a child, especially as some of her friends had already given birth. The command alleged that she had deceived her husband for nine months, leading him to believe that she was pregnant. After Muhammad gave birth, the suspect allegedly took the baby and presented it to her husband as their own.

Ibrahim was arrested on August 14, 2025, while the baby was recovered and reunited with the biological mother. The suspect remains in custody and will be charged after the completion of investigations. CP Umar M. Hadejia, the Commissioner of Police, praised the officers for their diligence and professionalism in ensuring the safe return of the child.