A Nigerian cleric wanted by Cameroonian authorities has reportedly gone into hiding after investigators discovered a mummified body buried beneath a concrete slab at a property linked to his church in Yaoundé.
The body was found on September 19 at about 9am by officers of 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 including human trafficking, arrest and kidnapping, according to reports from Cameroonian media.
Cameroon Tribune reported that investigators found a white-and-gold coffin buried about 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 a traditional blue outfit with gold embroidery.
The discovery was made after residents reportedly vandalised parts of the property, prompting investigators to examine an underground area beneath the concrete slab.
Authorities had not established the identity of the deceased or the circumstances surrounding the death at the time of the report.
Investigators were also awaiting authorisation to conduct further searches of the property to determine whether additional remains were present.
The latest discovery follows a search of the same Nkoabang property on September 9. During that operation, investigators reportedly found five vehicles, several hundred kilogrammes of food, functioning freezers and about 30 rooms.
A pit measuring about two metres deep was also discovered, although its purpose had not been determined.
The investigation began after an earlier operation at another property associated with Mercy of God Ministry in Ngousso, Yaoundé, on September 6.
Cameroonian authorities reportedly found 20 people — 10 women, eight men and two children aged six and seven — in a basement at the property.
The findings led security agencies to expand their investigation to other locations allegedly connected to the ministry.
Kenechukwu remains at large. Cameroonian authorities have reportedly alerted border officials and involved Interpol in efforts to locate him.
The investigation into the activities at the properties, the allegations against the cleric and the circumstances surrounding the discovered body is ongoing.
