A Nigerian cleric wanted by Cameroonian authorities is reportedly on the run after investigators discovered a mummified body buried beneath a concrete slab at a property reportedly linked to his church in Yaoundé.
The cleric, identified as Kedi Samuel Kenechukwu, also known as Ekedi Samuel, is the founder of Mercy of God Ministry and has reportedly been operating in Cameroon since 2018.
According to Cameroon Tribune, officers from the Nkoabang Special Police Station discovered the body on September 19 at about 9 a.m. while conducting investigations involving Kenechukwu.
The discovery was made at a property in Nkoabang, where investigators reportedly found a white-and-gold coffin buried about 1.5 metres beneath a concrete slab.
The coffin contained a body initially believed to be that of a woman. The remains were reportedly dressed in a traditional blue outfit with gold embroidery and appeared to have been deliberately preserved.
The investigation reportedly began after residents vandalised part of the property, exposing a section of the site and prompting authorities to conduct a closer examination.
Authorities have yet to establish the identity of the deceased or determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
Cameroonian authorities are reportedly awaiting the necessary authorisation to conduct further searches of the property, amid concerns that additional remains may be discovered.
The latest discovery comes days after investigators searched the same property on September 9. During the operation, they reportedly found five vehicles, several hundred kilogrammes of food, functioning freezers, about 30 rooms and a pit measuring approximately two metres deep.
Earlier, on September 6, security operatives reportedly discovered 20 people — 10 women, eight men and two children aged six and seven — in a basement at another property allegedly linked to the ministry in Ngousso, Yaoundé.
Kenechukwu is reportedly wanted by Cameroonian authorities over allegations including human trafficking, kidnapping and unlawful arrest.
As investigations continue, authorities are searching for the Nigerian cleric to assist with inquiries into activities at properties associated with his ministry.