Abuja Chef Arrested for Allegedly Drugging Residents, Stealing N150m Worth of Luxury Watches

The Nigeria Police Force has arrested a chef, John Govi, in connection with an alleged plot to drug occupants of a residence in Abuja and steal luxury items valued at approximately N150 million.

In a statement released on Monday, the Force Public Relations Officer, DCP Anthony Placid, said the suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team. He faces allegations including criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, administering suspected harmful substances, malicious damage to property, and theft.

According to police investigations, Govi, who reportedly trained as a chef in Cotonou, Benin Republic, secured employment at the residence after linking up with two accomplices, Peter and Moses, who remain at large.

The suspect allegedly monitored the routine and security layout of the residence before carrying out the operation on April 23, 2026, using food prepared in the house to incapacitate the occupants.

“The suspect carefully studied the routine, movements, and security structure of the residence before executing the operation on 23rd April 2026,” the police statement read.

Investigators revealed that the plan involved rendering occupants unconscious before allowing his accomplices access to complete the theft.

The police further stated that food prepared within the residence was laced with a suspected sedative substance intended to incapacitate both occupants and security personnel.

After the substance took effect, the suspect facilitated the entry of his accomplices, who then vandalised the CCTV monitoring system, ransacked the apartment, and made off with cash and twenty luxury wristwatches valued at roughly N150 million.

Operatives of the FID-IRT intercepted Govi as he was allegedly attempting to flee through the Gwagwalada axis en route to Lagos.

During the arrest, police recovered an iPhone 17 Pro Max belonging to the victim, along with a suspected chemical substance which has been forwarded for forensic analysis.

The police reaffirmed their commitment to tackling organised crime networks and ensuring that all suspects involved in criminal activities are held accountable.