Police arrest chef over alleged drugging, theft of ₦150M luxury items in Abuja

Crime Diary

ABUJA, Nigeria (NPA) — The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a chef, identified as John Cosmos Govi, over his alleged involvement in the drugging of residents and theft of luxury items valued at about ₦150 million from a residence in Abuja.

The arrest was carried out by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) following investigations into the incident.

According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, the suspect allegedly conspired with two accomplices identified simply as Peter and Moses, who are currently at large.

Police investigations revealed that Govi, who reportedly trained at a catering school in Cotonou, Benin Republic, secured employment as a chef in the residence after making contact with the fleeing suspects.

The police said the suspect allegedly studied the movement patterns, routines, and security structure of the residence before carrying out the operation on April 23, 2026.

According to investigators, food prepared within the residence was allegedly laced with a suspected sedative substance intended to incapacitate occupants and security personnel.

The statement added that after the substance took effect, the suspect allegedly facilitated the entry of his accomplices into the residence.

The gang was said to have vandalised the CCTV monitoring system, ransacked the apartment, and carted away cash and about 20 luxury wristwatches valued at approximately ₦150 million.

Police operatives later intercepted the suspect while allegedly attempting to flee through the Gwagwalada area en route to Lagos.

During the operation, officers recovered an iPhone 17 Pro Max, said to belong to the victim, alongside a suspected chemical substance believed to have been used in the operation.

The substance has since been forwarded for forensic analysis.

The police said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and recover additional stolen items linked to the case.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to combating organised crime and ensuring that all individuals involved in criminal activities are brought to justice.