The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a chef, identified as John Cosmos Govi, in Abuja over allegations of drugging his employers and stealing luxury items valued at about ₦150 million.
The arrest was carried out by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), following investigations into a reported case of criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, administration of suspected harmful substances, malicious damage to property, and theft.
According to police findings, the suspect, who reportedly trained at a catering school in Cotonou, Benin Republic, secured employment as a chef in a private residence in Abuja.
Authorities said he later conspired with two accomplices, identified as Peter and Moses, who are currently at large.
Investigators revealed that the suspect carefully observed the household’s daily routine, movement patterns, and security arrangements before carrying out the alleged operation on April 23, 2026.
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Police said the chef allegedly introduced a suspected sedative substance into meals prepared for the occupants and security personnel, rendering them unconscious and unable to respond.
This, according to the report, enabled his accomplices to gain access to the residence, where they vandalised the CCTV system, ransacked the property, and stole cash alongside 20 luxury wristwatches.
The stolen items were estimated to be worth approximately ₦150 million.
The suspects were later intercepted by police operatives while attempting to flee through the Gwagwalada axis en route to Lagos. During the arrest, an iPhone 17 Pro Max belonging to one of the victims and a suspected chemical substance were recovered.
The chemical substance has been forwarded for forensic analysis as investigations continue.
The police confirmed that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplices and ensure all suspects are brought to justice.
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