The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a chef, identified as John Cosmos Govi, over an alleged plot to drug residents of a luxury Abuja home before carting away expensive wristwatches and other valuables worth about ₦150 million.
The suspect was arrested by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department, Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), following what police described as a carefully coordinated insider operation involving criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, theft, malicious damage to property, and the administration of suspected harmful substances.
According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that Govi, who reportedly trained at a catering school in Cotonou, Benin Republic, secured employment as a chef in the residence after allegedly linking up with two accomplices identified simply as Peter and Moses, who are currently on the run.
Investigators said the suspect allegedly spent time studying the movement of occupants, security arrangements, and routine activities within the residence before carrying out the operation on April 23, 2026.
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Police findings further showed that food prepared inside the residence was allegedly laced with a suspected sedative substance aimed at incapacitating both the occupants and security personnel.
After the victims reportedly became unconscious, the suspect allegedly facilitated the entry of his accomplices into the apartment.
The gang reportedly vandalised the CCTV monitoring system before ransacking the residence and escaping with cash and about 20 luxury wristwatches valued at approximately ₦150 million.
Operatives of the FID-IRT later intercepted the suspects around the Gwagwalada axis while they were allegedly attempting to flee towards Lagos.
During the operation, detectives recovered an iPhone 17 Pro Max belonging to one of the victims as well as a suspected chemical substance believed to have been used in the operation. The substance has been forwarded for forensic examination.
Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, who confirmed the arrest in a statement on Sunday, said efforts were ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplices
The police reiterated their commitment to tackling organised criminal activities and ensuring all those connected to the operation are brought to justice.
