Nigerian Pastor Goes Into Hiding After Mummified Body Found

A Nigerian pastor 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 cleric, identified as Kedi Samuel Kenechukwu, also known as Ekedi Samuel, is the founder of Mercy of God Ministry and is reportedly being sought over allegations including human trafficking and kidnapping.

According to reporters, officers from the Nkoabang Special Police Station discovered the body on September 19 during an investigation involving Kenechukwu.

Investigators reportedly found a white-and-gold coffin buried about 1.5 metres beneath a concrete slab at the property in Nkoabang.

The body was reportedly in a mummified state and appeared to be that of a woman. It was found dressed in a traditional blue outfit with gold embroidery.

However, authorities have not yet established the identity of the deceased or determined the circumstances surrounding the death.

The discovery reportedly followed the vandalisation of parts of the property by residents, prompting investigators to examine an underground section concealed beneath the concrete slab.

Security officials were reportedly awaiting authorisation to conduct further searches of the property for possible additional remains.

The discovery came about 10 days after investigators had searched the same Nkoabang property on September 9.

During that operation, authorities reportedly found five vehicles, several hundred kilogrammes of food, functioning freezers and about 30 rooms.

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Investigators also reportedly discovered a pit measuring about two metres deep, although its purpose had not been established at the time.

The investigation was later extended to another property associated with Mercy of God Ministry in Ngousso, Yaoundé.

During an operation on September 6, security officials reportedly found 20 people inside a basement at the property, comprising 10 women, eight men and two children aged six and seven.

The series of discoveries has prompted Cameroonian security agencies to investigate other properties allegedly linked to the ministry as authorities seek to establish the full scope of activities carried out at the locations.

Kenechukwu reportedly remains at large, with Cameroonian authorities said to have alerted border officials and involved Interpol in efforts to locate him.

Meanwhile, investigations into the activities at the properties and the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the body are ongoing.

Authorities have yet to publicly identify the deceased or establish how the person died. Kenechukwu and representatives of Mercy of God Ministry have also not reportedly issued a response to the allegations.