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 the theft of luxury items and valuables worth about ₦150 million in Abuja.
According to a statement issued by the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, who reportedly attended a catering school in Cotonou, Benin Republic, secured employment as a chef in the residence after allegedly establishing contact with two accomplices identified simply as Peter and Moses, who are currently at large.
Police investigations indicated that the suspect carefully monitored the routine, movements and security structure of the residence before allegedly carrying out the operation on April 23, 2026.
The statement further disclosed that food prepared within the residence was allegedly laced with a suspected sedative substance aimed at incapacitating the occupants and security personnel. After the substance reportedly took effect, the suspect allegedly facilitated the entry of his accomplices into the house.
The gang was said to have vandalised the CCTV monitoring system, ransacked the apartment and carted away cash alongside twenty luxury wristwatches valued at approximately ₦150 million.
Operatives of the FID-IRT later intercepted the suspects while they were reportedly 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 been forwarded for forensic analysis.
The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to combating criminal activities across the country and assured that all individuals connected to organised criminal operations would be brought to justice.
