The Nigeria Police Force has apprehended a suspect, John Cosmos Govi, for his alleged role in a robbery at a residence in Abuja, where luxury items and valuables worth millions of naira were stolen.
Arrest and Investigation
According to a statement on the police's X handle on Monday, operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) carried out the arrest following investigations into criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, administering suspected harmful substances, malicious damage to property, and theft.
Preliminary findings indicate that Govi, who reportedly received catering training in Cotonou, Benin Republic, secured employment as a chef at the residence after allegedly contacting two accomplices, identified as Peter and Moses, who are currently on the run.
Details of the Crime
Investigators said the suspect allegedly studied the routines, movement patterns, and security arrangements within the residence before executing the operation on April 23, 2026. Police reported that food prepared at the residence was allegedly laced with a suspected sedative substance intended to incapacitate occupants and security personnel.
After the substance reportedly took effect, the suspect allegedly enabled his accomplices to enter the property. The gang vandalised the CCTV monitoring system, searched the residence, and stole cash along with 20 luxury wristwatches estimated to be worth about ₦150 million.
Recovery and Ongoing Efforts
Police operatives intercepted the suspects while they were reportedly attempting to escape through the Gwagwalada axis en route to Lagos. Items recovered during the operation included an iPhone 17 Pro Max, believed to belong to the victim, and a suspected chemical substance, which has been sent for forensic examination.
The police stated that efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing suspects and reiterated their commitment to tackling organised crime and ensuring all those involved are brought to justice.
