The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a chef identified as John Cosmos Govi over an alleged plot to drug residents of a luxury home in Abuja before stealing valuables reportedly worth about ₦150 million.
According to the police, the suspect allegedly used his position inside the residence to carefully plan the operation alongside two accomplices who are currently on the run.
In a statement released on Monday by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the suspect is being investigated for criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, theft, administering harmful substances and destruction of property.
Police investigations revealed that Govi reportedly trained as a chef in Cotonou, Benin Republic, before securing employment at the Abuja residence where the incident later occurred.
Authorities said the suspect allegedly built contact with two accomplices identified simply as Peter and Moses before carrying out the operation on April 23, 2026.
According to investigators, the chef allegedly spent time studying the movement patterns, daily routine and security arrangement within the residence before executing the plan.
“The suspect carefully studied the routine, movements, and security structure of the residence before executing the operation,” the police stated.
The Force said the alleged plan involved drugging both the occupants and security personnel by lacing food prepared inside the house with a suspected sedative substance.
Police said once the victims became unconscious, the suspect allegedly allowed his accomplices into the residence to carry out the theft.
The gang was said to have vandalised the home’s CCTV monitoring system before ransacking the property and carting away valuables.
Among the items reportedly stolen were cash and 20 luxury wristwatches valued at approximately ₦150 million.
The police disclosed that operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) later tracked and intercepted the suspect while he was allegedly attempting to escape through the Gwagwalada area on his way to Lagos.
During the operation, officers reportedly recovered an iPhone 17 Pro Max belonging to one of the victims as well as a suspected chemical substance believed to have been used during the crime.
The recovered substance has since been sent for forensic analysis.
Police authorities said investigations are ongoing while efforts are being intensified to arrest the remaining suspects still at large.
The Nigeria Police Force also reiterated its commitment to dismantling organised criminal networks and ensuring all individuals involved in criminal activities are brought to justice.
Source: Nigeria Police Force statement
