The Sokoto State Police Command has arrested Hamida Mustapha for allegedly abducting a two-day-old baby in Tambuwal town, the headquarters of Tambuwal Local Government Area.
According to a statement from DSP Ahmad Rufa’i, the Command’s Public Relations Officer, the police received a report on March 17, 2024, from a man named Sani, who claimed his two-day-old baby was taken by Hamida Mustapha, a resident of Hwakon Edi Area in Tambuwal LGA.
Sani reported that Hamida, who introduced herself as a friend of his sister, visited his home, brought clothes for the baby, and told the mother she would take the child to meet her boyfriend outside. However, she fled with the baby instead.
On March 12, 2025, a year after the incident, Hamida had an argument with her husband, which led to rumors circulating that the child was not her husband’s. This prompted the biological father to report the matter to the police, leading to Hamida’s invitation for questioning.
During interrogation, Hamida confessed to the abduction, admitting she had lied to her husband and family about giving birth to the baby. She also revealed that she had taken the child to her grandmother, who denied any knowledge of the alleged birth.
The police were able to reunite the baby with its parents, and Hamida is now facing charges.
Sokoto State Commissioner of Police, CP Ahmed Musa, emphasized the command’s commitment to eliminating crime in the state and urged the public to continue supporting the police with valuable information and prayers. He also advised parents to be vigilant about their children’s whereabouts.