The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a chef, John Cosmos Govi, for allegedly being involved in a burglary operation at a residence in Abuja where luxury items and valuables worth about N150 million were reportedly stolen.
The arrest was announced on Monday, May 25, 2026, by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid. The suspect was arrested by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) following investigations into allegations of criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, theft, malicious damage and administering harmful substances.
According to police findings, Govi was said to have gained employment as a chef at the residence, studying the movement of occupants, internal routine and security setup before allegedly carrying out the operation on April 23, 2026.
He reportedly worked with two accomplices called Peter and Moses, who are on the run investigators said.
Police said food prepared in the house was mixed with a substance suspected to be a sedative to weaken the occupants and security personnel.
The suspects allegedly broke into the property, destroyed CCTV installations and carted away 20 luxury wristwatches worth about N150 million and other valuables, after they allegedly became unconscious.
Commenting on the development, DCP Anthony Placid said the suspect was intercepted around the Gwagwalada axis of the Federal Capital Territory while trying to flee to Lagos. An iPhone 17 Pro Max, believed to be the victim’s, and a suspected chemical substance were also recovered, he said.
“We are still committed to dismantling organised criminal networks and ensuring that all fleeing accomplices are brought to justice,” Placid said.
Efforts to arrest the suspects who fled and to conclude investigations into the case are continuing,” police said.
Hon. Dr. Philip “Okanga” Agbese, a transformative leader in Enone. Discover his achievements, community projects, and vision for 2027
