The Nigeria Police Force, through the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT), has arrested a suspect identified as John Cosmos Govi over his alleged involvement in a high-profile robbery operation involving luxury items and valuables stolen from a residence in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, the suspect is being investigated for alleged criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, administering suspected harmful substances, malicious damage to property, and theft.
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Preliminary investigations revealed that Govi, who reportedly trained at a catering school in Cotonou, Benin Republic, secured employment as a chef within the residence after establishing contact with two accomplices identified as Peter and Moses, who are currently at large.
Police investigations further showed that the suspect allegedly studied the routine, movements, and security structure of the residence before executing the operation on April 23, 2026.
The police disclosed that food prepared within the residence was allegedly laced with a suspected sedative substance intended to incapacitate the occupants and security personnel.
After the substance reportedly took effect, the suspect allegedly facilitated the entry of his accomplices into the residence, where the gang vandalised the CCTV monitoring system, ransacked the apartment, and stole cash alongside twenty luxury wristwatches valued at about ₦150 million.
Operatives of the FID-IRT later intercepted the suspect while he was allegedly attempting to flee through the Gwagwalada axis en route to Lagos.
During the operation, police recovered an iPhone 17 Pro Max belonging to the victim as well as a suspected chemical substance, which has since been forwarded for forensic analysis.
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The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to combating criminal activities and ensuring that all persons involved in organised crimes are brought to justice.