Police arrest private chef in alleged N150 million theft, drugging, and burglary of employer.

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a chef, John Cosmos Govi, for his alleged role in a burglary at an Abuja residence where luxury items and valuables worth about N150 million were reportedly taken.

The arrest was announced on Monday, May 25, 2026, by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid. He said the suspect was taken into custody by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department Intelligence Response Team (FID‑IRT) after investigations into allegations of criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, theft, malicious damage and the administration of harmful substances.

Police findings indicate that Govi, who allegedly worked as a chef at the residence, had studied the occupants’ movements, internal routines and security arrangements before allegedly carrying out the operation on April 23, 2026.

Investigators say he reportedly worked with two accomplices named Peter and Moses, who are currently on the run.

Police allege that food prepared in the house was laced with a suspected sedative to weaken the occupants and security personnel.

After the occupants reportedly became unconscious, the suspects allegedly broke into the property, damaged CCTV installations and stole 20 luxury wristwatches valued at about N150 million, along with other valuables.

Speaking on the development, DCP Anthony Placid said the suspect was intercepted around the Gwagwalada axis of the Federal Capital Territory while attempting to flee to Lagos. He added that an iPhone 17 Pro Max, believed to belong to the victim, and a suspected chemical substance were recovered.

“We remain committed to dismantling organised criminal networks and ensuring that all fleeing accomplices are brought to justice,” Placid said.

Police say efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing suspects and conclude investigations into the case.