Abuja chef arrested for drugging residents, stealing N150m wristwatches

A chef identified as John Govi has been arrested by the Nigeria Police Force in Abuja for his alleged involvement in drugging residents and stealing luxury items valued at approximately N150 million from a residence.

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

The suspect was apprehended by operatives of the Force Intelligence Department – Intelligence Response Team on allegations including criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, administering suspected harmful substances, malicious damage to property, and theft. Preliminary police investigations suggest Govi, who reportedly trained as a chef in Cotonou, Benin Republic, secured employment within the residence after connecting with two accomplices, Peter and Moses, who are currently at large.

According to the police statement, Govi allegedly monitored the residence's routine and security layout before executing the operation on April 23, 2026. He reportedly used food prepared within the house to incapacitate the occupants and security personnel. After the substance took effect, Govi allegedly facilitated the entry of his accomplices into the residence.

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food prepared within the residence was laced with a suspected sedative substance intended to incapacitate the occupants and security personnel.

The gang then vandalized the CCTV monitoring system, ransacked the apartment, and stole cash along with twenty luxury wristwatches valued at approximately N150,000,000. Operatives intercepted Govi while he was allegedly attempting to flee towards Lagos. During the arrest, police recovered an iPhone 17 Pro Max belonging to the victim and a suspected chemical substance, which has been sent for forensic analysis.

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After the substance took effect, the suspect facilitated the entry of his accomplices into the residence, where the gang vandalised the CCTV monitoring system, ransacked the apartment, and carted away cash alongside twenty luxury wristwatches valued at approximately N150,000,000.