19-Year-Old Woman Allegedly Steals Newborn to Cover Up Fake Pregnancy
By Ahmad Tijjani Abdul
KANO – The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested a 19-year-old woman, Khadija Ibrahim, for allegedly stealing a newborn baby in Zuru Local Government Area and presenting the child to her husband as her own.
The suspect, a resident of Rikoto in Zuru LGA, was arrested on August 14, 2026, following a sustained investigation into the alleged theft, which occurred on July 23, 2025.
According to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, the suspect allegedly took advantage of the fact that Fatima Muhammad had just given birth.
Usman said Khadija allegedly pretended to assist the new mother by offering to fetch hot water, but instead allegedly fled with the newborn.
“While pretending to assist Fatima Muhammad, who had just given birth, [the suspect] allegedly offered to fetch hot water but instead fled with the newborn,” Usman said in a statement issued on Sunday.
The police spokesman said preliminary investigation indicated that the suspect had allegedly been under social and emotional pressure over not having a child, particularly as some of her peers had already given birth.
According to him, the suspect allegedly went as far as deceiving her husband for about nine months into believing that she was pregnant.
“After the birth of Fatima Muhammad’s baby, she allegedly took the child and presented it to her husband as their own,” Usman said.
The police said the baby was subsequently recovered and safely reunited with the biological mother.
The suspect remains in police custody and will be charged to court after the conclusion of investigation, in accordance with applicable law.
The Commissioner of Police, Kebbi State Command, CP Umar M. Hadejia, commended the operatives involved in the investigation for their diligence and professionalism, particularly in securing the safe return of the baby.
Hadejia also reassured members of the public that the command remained committed to protecting children and ensuring that anyone found culpable of criminal offences would be brought to justice.