Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested a chef, John Cosmos Govi over his alleged involvement in the drugging of residents and the theft of luxury items valued at about ₦150 million from a home in Abuja.
The arrest was carried out by the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team, FID-IRT, following investigations into what police described as a coordinated operation involving criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, theft, and the administration of suspected harmful substances.
According to the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, preliminary findings showed that the suspect, who reportedly trained at a catering school in Cotonou, Benin Republic, gained employment as a chef in the residence after allegedly establishing contact with two accomplices identified simply as Peter and Moses, who are currently on the run.
Investigators said the suspect allegedly spent time studying the household’s daily routine, movement patterns, and security arrangements before the operation was carried out on April 23, 2026.
Police further revealed that food prepared inside the residence was suspected to have been laced with a sedative substance aimed at incapacitating both occupants and security personnel.
Once the substance reportedly took effect, the suspect allegedly allowed his accomplices into the house.
The gang was said to have damaged the CCTV monitoring system, thoroughly ransacked the apartment, and escaped with cash and twenty luxury wristwatches valued at approximately ₦150 million.
Operatives of the FID-IRT later intercepted the suspects around the Gwagwalada axis while they were attempting to flee toward Lagos.
During the operation, police recovered an iPhone 17 Pro Max belonging to the victim, along with a suspected chemical substance now undergoing forensic analysis.
The Nigeria Police Force says efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects, while reaffirming its commitment to tackling organised criminal networks and bringing all those connected to the crime to justice.
(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
