The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a chef, John Cosmos Govi, for allegedly drugging residents and stealing luxury items worth about ₦150m in Abuja.
The police said the suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team following his alleged involvement in criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, administering harmful substances, malicious damage, and theft.
According to a statement on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, preliminary investigations revealed that Govi, who reportedly trained at a catering school in Cotonou, Benin Republic, secured employment as a chef in the residence before executing the crime.
The statement noted that the suspect allegedly collaborated with two accomplices, identified as Peter and Moses, who are currently at large.
Placid said, “Findings indicate that the suspect carefully studied the routine, movements, and security structure of the residence before executing the operation on April 23, 2026.”
He added that the suspect allegedly laced food prepared in the residence with a sedative substance to incapacitate occupants and security personnel.
“After the substance took effect, the suspect facilitated the entry of his accomplices into the residence, where the gang vandalised the CCTV monitoring system, ransacked the apartment, and carted away cash alongside 20 luxury wristwatches valued at approximately ₦150,000,000,” he stated.
The police spokesperson further disclosed that operatives intercepted the suspect while attempting to flee through the Gwagwalada axis en route to Lagos.
He said an iPhone 17 Pro Max belonging to the victim was recovered from the suspect, alongside a suspected chemical substance, which has been sent for forensic analysis.
Placid said efforts were ongoing to arrest the fleeing accomplices and recover the remaining stolen items.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to combating criminal activities and ensuring that all persons involved in organised crimes are brought to justice,” he added.