The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a chef, John Cosmos Govi, in connection with the theft of cash and luxury wristwatches worth approximately ₦150 million from a residence in Abuja.
Govi was arrested by the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) and faces charges of criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, administering suspected harmful substances, malicious damage to property, and theft.
According to Force Public Relations Officer DCP Anthony Okon Placid, preliminary investigations revealed that Govi, who reportedly trained at a catering school in Cotonou, Benin Republic, secured employment as a chef at the residence after establishing contact with two accomplices identified only as Peter and Moses, both currently at large.
Placid said Govi carefully studied the routine, movements and security structure of the residence before executing the operation on 23rd April 2026.
Investigators established that food prepared within the residence was laced with a suspected sedative intended to incapacitate the occupants and security personnel.
Once the substance took effect, Govi allegedly facilitated the entry of his accomplices, who vandalised the CCTV monitoring system, ransacked the apartment and carted away cash alongside twenty luxury wristwatches.
FID-IRT operatives intercepted Govi while he was attempting to flee through the Gwagwalada axis en route to Lagos.
An iPhone 17 Pro Max belonging to the victim was recovered during the arrest, alongside a suspected chemical substance, which has been forwarded for forensic analysis.
“The Nigeria Police Force remains committed to combating criminal activities and ensuring that all persons involved in organised crimes are brought to justice,” Placid said.
