•The suspect
The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a chef, John Cosmos Govi, over his alleged involvement in the drugging of occupants and theft of luxury items worth about ₦150 million from a residence in Abuja.
In a statement released today signed by the Force Public Relations Officer at Force Headquarters, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the suspect was arrested by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) over allegations including criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, administering suspected harmful substances, malicious damage to property, and theft.
According to the police, preliminary investigations showed that Govi, who reportedly trained as a chef in Cotonou, Benin Republic, secured employment within the residence after linking up with two accomplices identified as Peter and Moses, who are currently at large, reports The PUNCH.
Findings indicated that the suspect allegedly monitored the routine and security layout of the residence before executing the operation on 23 April 2026, using food prepared in the house to incapacitate occupants.
“The suspect carefully studied the routine, movements, and security structure of the residence before executing the operation on 23rd April 2026,” the statement said.
The police added that the alleged plan involved first rendering occupants unconscious before gaining access for his accomplices to complete the operation.
“Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, who reportedly trained at a catering school in Cotonou, Benin Republic, secured employment as a chef within the residence after establishing contact with two accomplices identified as Peter and Moses, both currently at large,” the Force said.
It further stated that “food prepared within the residence was laced with a suspected sedative substance intended to incapacitate the occupants and security personnel.”
The statement also detailed how the operation escalated after the victims were allegedly incapacitated.
“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 (₦150,000,000),” the police said.
Operatives of the FID-IRT later intercepted the suspect while he was allegedly attempting to flee through the Gwagwalada axis en route Lagos.
“Operatives of the FID-IRT subsequently intercepted the suspects while attempting to flee through the Gwagwalada axis en route Lagos,” the statement added.
During the arrest, police said further items were recovered from the suspect.
“During the operation, an iPhone 17 Pro Max belonging to the victim was recovered alongside a suspected chemical substance, which has since been forwarded for forensic analysis,” the Force said.
The police also reaffirmed their commitment to tackling organised crime networks and ensuring accountability for all suspects involved in criminal activities.
