The Nigeria Police Force has arrested one John Cosmos Govi over his alleged involvement in a carefully executed criminal operation involving conspiracy, housebreaking, administration of suspected harmful substances, malicious damage to property, and theft of luxury items valued at about ₦150 million in the Federal Capital Territory.
Govi was arrested by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department–Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) following investigations into a robbery incident that occurred on 23 April 2026 at a residence in Abuja.
Preliminary investigations revealed that the suspect, who reportedly trained as a chef in a catering school in Cotonou, Benin Republic, allegedly secured employment within the targeted residence after establishing contact with two accomplices identified as Peter and Moses, who are currently at large.
Security sources said the suspect allegedly studied the routine, movements, and security structure of the residence over time before carrying out the operation.
It was further gathered that food prepared within the residence was allegedly laced with a suspected sedative substance, with the intention of incapacitating the occupants and security personnel. Once the substance reportedly took effect, the suspect allegedly facilitated the entry of his accomplices into the building.
The gang was said to have vandalised the CCTV surveillance system, ransacked the apartment, and made away with cash and valuables, including about twenty luxury wristwatches.
The stolen items were valued at approximately ₦150 million.
Operatives of the FID-IRT reportedly intercepted the suspects while attempting to flee through the Gwagwalada axis en route Lagos. During the operation, an iPhone 17 Pro Max allegedly belonging to the victim was recovered, along with a suspected chemical substance now undergoing forensic analysis.
The police said efforts are ongoing to apprehend the fleeing accomplices as investigations continue.
Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Okon Placid, reaffirmed the commitment of the Nigeria Police Force to dismantling organised criminal networks and ensuring that all suspects involved are brought to justice.
