A Nigerian cleric wanted by authorities in Cameroon has reportedly gone into hiding following the discovery of a mummified body beneath a concrete slab at a property associated with his church in Yaoundé.
According to Camer, the remains were uncovered on September 19 at about 9am by officers from the Nkoabang Special Police Station during an investigation involving Kedi Samuel Kenechukwu, also known as Ekedi Samuel.
Kenechukwu, founder of Mercy of God Ministry, is wanted by Cameroonian security authorities over allegations that reportedly include human trafficking, arrest and kidnapping.
Several local media organisations have reported on the investigation. Camer.be identified Kenechukwu as a Nigerian prophet who has operated in Cameroon since 2018.
Investigators reportedly found a white-and-gold coffin buried approximately 1.5 metres beneath a concrete slab at the property in Nkoabang. Inside was a body believed at first to be that of a woman, dressed in traditional blue clothing decorated with gold embroidery.
Cameroon Tribune reported that the remains were in a mummified state and that the condition of the coffin suggested the burial was unusual.
The discovery reportedly followed damage to parts of the property by residents, prompting security officers to examine areas beneath the structure. Authorities were said to be awaiting further authorisation to conduct additional searches for possible remains.
The identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the death have not yet been established.
The latest discovery came about 10 days after investigators searched the same Nkoabang property on September 9. During that operation, they reportedly found five vehicles, several hundred kilogrammes of food, working freezers and around 30 rooms.
Investigators also discovered a pit measuring about two metres deep, although its purpose had not been determined at the time.
The Nkoabang operation followed an earlier search at a property linked to Mercy of God Ministry in Ngousso, Yaoundé, on September 6.
According to reports, 20 people — comprising 10 women, eight men and two children aged six and seven — were found inside a basement at the property.
The findings have prompted security agencies to extend their investigation to other locations reportedly connected to the ministry.
Kenechukwu remains at large. Cameroonian authorities have reportedly alerted border security personnel and involved Interpol in efforts to locate him.
Investigations into the ministry’s activities, the properties involved and the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the body are continuing.