Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force have arrested a chef, John Cosmos Govi, for allegedly masterminding the drugging of residents and the theft of luxury items valued at about ₦150 million in Abuja.
The suspect was apprehended by the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team following allegations bordering on criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, administering harmful substances, malicious damage, and theft.
Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, disclosed in a statement on Monday that preliminary investigations revealed that Govi secured employment as a chef in the residence after allegedly establishing contact with two accomplices identified simply as Peter and Moses, who are currently at large.
According to the police, the suspect, said to have trained in Cotonou, Benin Republic, allegedly studied the routine and security architecture of the residence before executing the operation on April 23, 2026.
“The suspect carefully studied the routine, movements, and security structure of the residence before carrying out the operation,” the statement read.
Investigations further indicated that food prepared in the residence was allegedly laced with a sedative substance to incapacitate the occupants and security personnel.
The police said after the substance took effect, the suspect facilitated the entry of his accomplices into the building, where they reportedly disabled the CCTV system, ransacked the apartment, and carted away cash and 20 luxury wristwatches valued at approximately ₦150 million.
Govi was later intercepted by operatives while allegedly attempting to flee through the Gwagwalada axis en route to Lagos.
Items recovered from him at the point of arrest include an iPhone 17 Pro Max belonging to one of the victims and a suspected chemical substance, which has been sent for forensic analysis.
The police noted that efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplices, while reiterating their commitment to dismantling organised criminal networks and ensuring all those involved are brought to justice.
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