A Nigerian cleric wanted by Cameroonian authorities has reportedly gone into hiding following the discovery of a mummified body beneath a property associated with his church in Yaoundé.
The remains were discovered on September 19 by officers from the Nkoabang Special Police Station during an investigation involving Kedi Samuel Kenechukwu, also known as Ekedi Samuel, the founder of Mercy of God Ministry.
Cameroonian authorities are seeking Kenechukwu over allegations that include human trafficking, unlawful detention and kidnapping. He has not been arrested, and efforts to locate him are ongoing.
According to Cameroon Tribune, investigators found a white-and-gold coffin buried approximately 1.5 metres beneath a concrete slab at the Nkoabang property.
The body inside was reportedly in a mummified state and appeared to be that of a woman dressed in traditional blue clothing decorated with gold embroidery. The identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the death have not yet been established.
Investigators reportedly became aware of the concealed underground area after parts of the property were damaged by residents. Security personnel were subsequently alerted to the hidden section beneath the concrete structure.
Authorities were awaiting approval to carry out a wider search of the property to determine whether additional remains could be found.
Earlier Search of Church Property
The discovery followed a search of the same Nkoabang premises on September 9.
During that operation, investigators reportedly found five vehicles, several hundred kilogrammes of food, working freezers and approximately 30 rooms. A pit measuring about two metres deep was also discovered, although its purpose was not immediately known.
The investigation at Nkoabang was linked to an earlier operation at another property associated with Mercy of God Ministry in the Ngousso area of Yaoundé.
On September 6, security personnel reportedly found 20 people in a basement at the site. The group was said to comprise 10 women, eight men and two children, aged six and seven.
The findings prompted investigators to broaden their inquiries to other properties reportedly connected with the ministry.
Cleric Remains at Large
Kenechukwu, who has reportedly operated in Cameroon since 2018, remains at large as security agencies continue efforts to locate him.
Cameroonian authorities have reportedly alerted border security personnel and involved Interpol in the search.
The investigation is continuing as authorities work to establish the identity of the deceased, determine the circumstances surrounding the death and establish whether there are other remains or victims connected to the properties under investigation.
