Police Arrest Chef Over Alleged Drugging, ₦150m Luxury Theft in Abuja Residence
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a chef, identified as John Cosmos Govi, for allegedly masterminding the drugging of residents and the theft of luxury items worth about ₦150 million from a residence in Abuja.
The suspect was arrested by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) following investigations into the high-profile robbery involving cash, luxury wristwatches, and other valuables.
The development was disclosed in a press release issued by the Nigeria Police Force and signed by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, on May 25, 2026.
According to the statement, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, who reportedly trained at a catering school in Cotonou, Benin Republic, secured employment as a chef in the residence after making contact with two accomplices identified as Peter and Moses, who are currently on the run.
Police said the suspect allegedly studied the routines, movements, and security arrangements within the residence before carrying out the operation on April 23, 2026.
“Findings indicate that the suspect carefully studied the routine, movements, and security structure of the residence before executing the operation,” the statement said.
Investigators further alleged that food prepared within the residence was laced with a suspected sedative substance aimed at incapacitating the 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 twenty luxury wristwatches valued at approximately One Hundred and Fifty Million Naira,” the police stated.
The Force added that operatives later intercepted the suspect while attempting to flee through the Gwagwalada axis en route Lagos.
During the operation, police recovered an iPhone 17 Pro Max belonging to the victim as well as a suspected chemical substance believed to have been used during the crime.
The statement noted that the recovered substance had been forwarded for forensic analysis.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to combating criminal activities and ensuring that all persons involved in organised crimes are brought to justice,” the statement added.
Police authorities said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplices linked to the incident.
