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.
Cameroon Tribune reports on Tuesday that investigators found a white-and-gold coffin buried about 1.5 metres beneath a concrete slab at the property in Nkoabang.
The body inside the coffin was reportedly in a state of mummification.
“The lid is broken. Inside, a body, a lady at first sight, dressed in a traditional blue outfit with gold embroidery, in a state of mummification, rests on a padding. This is not a normal grave,” the newspaper reported.
The discovery was reportedly made after residents vandalised parts of the property, prompting investigators to examine the concealed underground area.
Security officers were still awaiting authorisation to conduct further searches of the property for possible additional remains, according to Cameroon Tribune.
The identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the death had not been established as of the time of the report.
The discovery came about 10 days after investigators searched the same Nkoabang property on September 9.
During that operation, officers reportedly found five vehicles, several hundred kilogrammes of food, functioning freezers and about 30 rooms on the premises.
A pit measuring about two metres deep was also discovered, although investigators had not established its purpose at the time.
The Nkoabang investigation followed an earlier operation at a property associated with Mercy of God Ministry in Ngousso, Yaoundé, on September 6.
Twenty people, comprising 10 women, eight men and two children aged six and seven, were reportedly found in a basement at the property.
The findings prompted security agencies to expand their investigation to other locations allegedly linked to the ministry.
Kenechukwu remains at large, with Cameroonian authorities reportedly alerting border police and involving Interpol in efforts to locate him.
Investigations into the activities at the properties and the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the body are ongoing.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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