Police Arrest Abuja Chef Over Alleged N150m Robbery, Recover Victim’s iPhone

Police Arrest Abuja Chef Over Alleged N150m Robbery, Recover Victim’s iPhone

Operatives of the Nigeria Police Force Intelligence Response Team (FID-IRT) have arrested an Abuja-based chef, John Cosmos Govi, over his alleged involvement in a high-profile N150 million robbery targeting a residence in the Federal Capital Territory.

The suspect was arrested following investigations into the alleged theft of luxury items, cash and valuables from the Abuja residence where he was employed as a chef.

In a statement issued by the Force spokesperson, DCP Anthony Placide, the police said the suspect is being investigated for alleged criminal conspiracy, housebreaking, administering harmful substances, malicious damage to property and theft.

According to the police, preliminary investigations revealed that Govi underwent professional training at a catering school in Cotonou, Benin Republic, before securing employment at the residence.

Investigators alleged that after gaining the trust of the household, the suspect allegedly monitored the movement patterns of residents, observed internal security arrangements and studied the operational routine of the residence before carrying out the operation.

Police said the suspect reportedly coordinated with two accomplices identified as Peter and Moses, who are currently at large.

The alleged robbery took place on April 23, 2026, after food prepared within the residence was reportedly laced with a suspected sedative substance intended to incapacitate the occupants and security personnel.

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According to investigators, once the occupants became incapacitated, the suspect allegedly facilitated the entry of his accomplices into the residence.

The police said the gang then vandalised the property’s CCTV surveillance system, thoroughly searched the apartment and made away with cash alongside 20 luxury wristwatches valued at about ₦150 million.

Authorities said the stolen items included several high-value luxury timepieces, making the incident one of the most significant insider-linked theft cases recorded in Abuja in recent months.

Following intelligence-led tracking, police operatives intercepted the suspects while they were allegedly attempting to flee through the Gwagwalada axis on their way to Lagos.

During the operation, investigators recovered an iPhone 17 Pro Max belonging to the victim and a suspected chemical substance believed to have been used in carrying out the crime.

The recovered substance has reportedly been sent for forensic examination to determine its composition and confirm whether it was used to sedate the victims.

Police said efforts are ongoing to arrest the fleeing accomplices and recover the remaining stolen valuables.

The Nigeria Police Force reiterated its commitment to combating organised crime and urged Nigerians to conduct thorough background checks before employing domestic workers or private service personnel.

Security experts say the incident highlights growing concerns over insider-assisted robbery cases and the increasing sophistication of criminal tactics involving trusted domestic staff.

The case has also renewed calls for improved residential security systems and stronger vetting procedures for household employees across the country.

Police Arrest Abuja Chef Over Alleged N150m Robbery, Recover Victim’s iPhone