Police arrest chef over N150m Abuja theft

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a chef, John Cosmos Govi, over his alleged involvement in drugging residents and stealing valuables worth about ₦150 million from a home in Abuja.

In a statement issued on Monday, the Force Public Relations Officer, Anthony Okon Placid, said the suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT).

According to the police, Govi allegedly secured employment at the residence after linking up with two accomplices, identified as Peter and Moses, who remain at large.

Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect reportedly studied the routine and security arrangement of the house before carrying out the operation on April 23, 2026. He is accused of lacing food prepared in the residence with a suspected sedative to incapacitate occupants and security personnel.

The police said the plan involved rendering the victims unconscious before allowing his accomplices access to the premises.

After gaining entry, the gang allegedly vandalised the CCTV system, ransacked the house, and made away with cash and about 20 luxury wristwatches valued at approximately ₦150 million.

Govi was later intercepted by operatives while attempting to flee through the Gwagwalada axis en route to Lagos.

Items recovered from him include an iPhone belonging to one of the victims and a suspected chemical substance, which has been sent for forensic analysis.

The police said investigations are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects, reaffirming their commitment to dismantling organised criminal networks and ensuring justice.