The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a chef, identified as John Cosmos Govi, over allegations of a carefully coordinated robbery involving the suspected drugging of residents and theft of luxury items worth about ₦150 million in Abuja.
According to the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), the suspect was arrested following investigations into allegations of criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, administering suspected harmful substances, malicious damage to property, and theft.
Police said the suspect, who reportedly trained as a caterer in Cotonou, Benin Republic, allegedly gained access to a residential home in Abuja where he worked as a chef before planning the operation with two accomplices identified as Peter and Moses, who are currently at large.
Investigators alleged that the chef monitored the household’s routines and security arrangements before executing the plan on April 23, 2026.
According to police findings, meals prepared in the residence were allegedly laced with a suspected sedative to incapacitate occupants and security personnel, allowing the suspects to gain unrestricted access to the property.
The gang reportedly vandalised CCTV systems, ransacked the apartment, and made away with cash and luxury wristwatches estimated at ₦150 million, police said.
The suspects were later intercepted while attempting to flee through the Gwagwalada axis toward Lagos, with officers recovering a suspected stolen iPhone 17 Pro Max and a chemical substance believed to have been used in the operation.
Police authorities say forensic analysis is ongoing, while efforts are underway to apprehend the fleeing accomplices.
The Force has assured the public of continued operations aimed at dismantling organised criminal networks across the country.