On September 30, 2024, the Nasarawa State Police Command announced the arrest of Khadija Aliyu, a woman accused of stealing a seven-day-old baby girl during a naming ceremony in the Keffi area of the state. This incident underscores the ongoing issues of crime and security within the region.
According to a statement from the command’s Public Relations Officer, Rahman Nansel, the arrest took place around 6:30 PM on Saturday. Khadija reportedly posed as a pregnant woman and attended the naming ceremony held behind the INEC office in Keffi. During the event, she seized the opportunity to sneak into the house where the baby was sleeping and abducted the infant.
In a calculated move, Khadija carried the baby on her back, covered her with a veil, and attempted to escape unnoticed. However, her actions did not go unpunished, as police operatives were able to track her down and make the arrest.
Nansel detailed the circumstances surrounding the arrest: “At about 6:30 hrs, police operatives attached to the Keffi Division arrested one Khadija Aliyu for stealing a seven-day-old baby girl during a naming ceremony in Keffi. The suspect, who had been claiming to be pregnant, attended the ceremony and, while the event was ongoing, sneaked into the house, stole the baby, and escaped before she was later apprehended.”
This incident is not isolated. The command also reported the arrest of Hussaini Mohammed, an ex-convict, for allegedly stealing motorcycles in the same area. Hussaini was apprehended during an investigation into a series of motorcycle thefts. Police recovered three motorcycles, believed to be stolen, from him as evidence.
The Commissioner of Police, Umar Shehu Nadada, urged citizens who have experienced motorcycle theft to visit the Angwan Lambu Division in Keffi with proof of ownership to reclaim their property.
These thefts highlight a disturbing trend of child abduction and motorcycle thefts in Nigeria. For instance, in a related case from , a 19-year-old woman named Hajara Usman was arrested for allegedly stealing a newborn baby in the Bauchi State. She, along with an accomplice, was reported to have taken the infant during a similar incident, leading to police investigations and eventual arrests.
As these incidents unfold, the police continue to emphasize the importance of community vigilance and cooperation in combating crime. The public is encouraged to report any suspicious activities to aid law enforcement in maintaining safety and security in their neighborhoods.
This series of events serves as a stark reminder of the challenges faced by communities in Nigeria, particularly concerning the safety of vulnerable individuals such as infants. The police’s swift response in these cases showcases their commitment to addressing these pressing issues.
