In Zuru Local Government Area of Kebbi Police arrest a 19-year-old woman accused of stealing a newborn and presenting the baby to her husband as her own.

The Nigeria Police Force in Kebbi State has arrested a 19-year-old woman over the alleged theft of a newborn baby.

The suspect was arrested in Zuru Local Government Area of the state.

According to the police, she allegedly stole the newborn and later presented the child to her husband as her own.

The Command’s Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, confirmed the arrest in a statement released on August 16, 2026.

The incident reportedly happened on July 23, 2025.

Police said the suspect visited Fatima Muhammad shortly after she gave birth. She allegedly offered to help the new mother by fetching hot water.

However, the woman allegedly used the opportunity to steal the newborn baby.

Instead of returning with the water, she reportedly fled with the child.

The baby’s mother was left unaware of what had happened until the suspect had disappeared.

Police investigations reportedly uncovered more details about the case.

According to the command, the suspect had faced emotional and social pressure over her inability to have a child.

Some of her peers had already become mothers. As a result, she allegedly felt pressured by her situation.

Police said she spent about nine months pretending to her husband that she was pregnant.

When she supposedly reached her expected delivery date, she allegedly stole the newborn baby.

She then reportedly presented the child to her husband as their own.

The police said sustained investigations eventually led to the suspect’s arrest.

Operatives arrested the 19-year-old woman on August 14, 2026.

Fortunately, the stolen baby was recovered safely. The child was then reunited with the biological mother.

The suspect remains in police custody as investigations continue.

Police said she will be charged in court after the investigation is completed.

Kebbi State Commissioner of Police, CP Umar Hadejia, commended the officers involved in the case.

He praised their diligence and professionalism in recovering the baby.

The commissioner also reaffirmed the command’s commitment to protecting children across the state.

He stressed that anyone found responsible for the alleged crime would be brought to justice.

For now, the newborn baby has been safely returned to the biological mother. The police investigation will determine the full circumstances surrounding the alleged newborn baby theft.