THE Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old woman in Zuru Local Government Area of the state for allegedly stealing a newborn baby and presenting the child to her husband as her own.
News Point Nigeria reports that the incident reportedly occurred on July 23, 2025, when the suspect allegedly visited Fatima Muhammad shortly after she had given birth and offered to assist her by fetching hot water.
According to the police, the suspect allegedly used the opportunity to flee with the newborn instead of returning with the water, leaving the biological mother without her baby.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect had allegedly been under social and emotional pressure over her inability to have a child, particularly as some of her peers had already given birth.
The police said she allegedly deceived her husband for about nine months into believing that she was pregnant and, following the birth of the stolen baby, allegedly took the child and presented it to him as their own.
The suspect was eventually arrested on August 14, 2026, following sustained police investigation into the incident.
The stolen baby was subsequently recovered by the police and safely reunited with the biological mother.
The command said the suspect remains in custody and will be charged to court after the conclusion of investigations and in accordance with applicable law.
The Commissioner of Police in Kebbi State, CP Umar Hadejia, commended the police operatives for their diligence and professionalism in securing the safe recovery of the baby and arresting the suspect.
Hadejia also reassured 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.
