The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old woman in Zuru Local Government Area for allegedly taking a newborn baby and falsely presenting the child to her husband as their own.
According to the command, the incident dates back to July 23, 2025, when the suspect allegedly visited Fatima Muhammad shortly after she delivered her baby.
Police spokesman, SP Bashir Usman, said the suspect offered to help the new mother by fetching hot water but allegedly used the opportunity to take the baby and disappear.
Rather than returning with the water, she reportedly fled with the newborn, prompting investigations by the police.
Preliminary findings indicated that the suspect had allegedly faced emotional and social pressure over her inability to have a child, particularly as several women around her had already become mothers.
Police further alleged that she had spent about nine months convincing her husband that she was pregnant.
After Fatima Muhammad gave birth, the suspect allegedly took the baby and handed the child to her husband, claiming that she had delivered the baby herself.
The police eventually arrested the suspect on August 14, 2026, following sustained investigative efforts.
The newborn was recovered and reunited with the biological mother.
The suspect remains in police custody and is expected to face prosecution after investigators conclude their work and in line with applicable laws.
Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Hadejia, praised the officers involved for their commitment and professionalism in recovering the child and apprehending the suspect.
He assured residents that the command would continue to prioritise the protection of children and ensure that individuals found responsible for such offences are brought to justice.
The statement was issued by the command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, on August 16, 2026.
