A Nigerian cleric wanted by Cameroonian authorities has gone into hiding after a mummified body was discovered buried beneath a concrete slab at a property linked to his church in Yaoundé.
Cameroon Tribune reported that the body was discovered on September 19 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 over allegations including human trafficking, kidnapping and unlawful detention.
Investigators reportedly found a white-and-gold coffin buried about 1.5 metres underground beneath a concrete slab at the ministry-linked property in Nkoabang.
The body, whose identity and cause of death were yet to be established, 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 followed the vandalisation of parts of the property by residents, prompting investigators to uncover the concealed underground area.
Authorities were reportedly awaiting approval to conduct further searches of the property for possible additional remains.
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, functioning freezers and about 30 rooms.
A pit measuring about two metres deep was also discovered, although its purpose had not been established.
The investigation followed an earlier operation on September 6 at another property associated with Mercy of God Ministry in Ngousso, Yaoundé, where 20 people — 10 women, eight men and two children aged six and seven — were reportedly found in a basement.
The discoveries have prompted security agencies to investigate other properties allegedly linked to the ministry.
Kenechukwu remains at large, with Cameroonian authorities reportedly alerting border officials and involving Interpol in efforts to locate him.
The investigation into the ministry’s activities and the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the body is ongoing.