From Ismail Adebayo, Birnin kebbi
The Kebbi State Police Command has arrested one Khadija Ibrahim, aged 19, in connection with the alleged theft of a newborn baby in Zuru area of Kebbi State
According to a statement by the police Public Relations Officer, SP Bashir Usman, the lady had pretended helping Fatima Muhammad, who had just given birth, to fetch hot water to bathe the baby, but fled with the newborn
Usman added that the accused had allegedly been under social and emotional pressure over not having a child of her own, as some of her peers had already given birth
“She consequently allegedly deceived her husband for about nine months into believing that she was pregnant and, after the birth of Fatima Muhammad’s baby, she allegedly took the child and presented it to her husband as their own,” the statement said
He said the suspect was arrested following sustained investigation, adding that the baby was found in her possession and safely reunited with its biological mother
“The suspect remains in police custody and will be charged to court upon conclusion of investigation and in accordance with applicable law,” the statement said