Kebbi Police Arrest 19-Year-Old Woman Over Alleged Newborn Theft

Kebbi Police Arrest 19-Year-Old Woman Over Alleged Newborn Theft

The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old woman, Khadija Ibrahim, over the alleged theft of a newborn baby in Rikoto, Zuru Local Government Area of the state. According to the police, the incident occurred on July 23, 2025, when Ibrahim allegedly approached Fatima Muhammad, who had just given birth, and offered to help her fetch hot water. Instead, she allegedly fled with the newborn. Preliminary investigations reportedly indicated that the suspect had been under social and emotional pressure over not having a child, particularly as some of her peers had already become mothers Police further alleged that Ibrahim had deceived her husband for about nine months, convincing him that she was pregnant. After Fatima gave birth, she allegedly took the newborn and presented the baby to her husband as their own. Following sustained investigations, the suspect was arrested on August 14, 2026. The baby was subsequently recovered and safely reunited with the biological mother. The suspect remains in police custody and is expected to be arraigned before a court of competent jurisdiction after investigations are concluded. The Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, CP Umar M. Hadejia, commended the officers involved in the investigation and recovery operation, stressing the command’s commitment to protecting children and bringing anyone found culpable to justice. The case highlights the vulnerability of newborns and the importance of stronger safeguards around mothers and infants, particularly in the immediate period following childbirth.