Nigerian cleric wanted after mummified body found in Cameroon

Etim Ekpimah

A mummified body has been discovered buried beneath a concrete slab at a property linked to a Nigerian pastor in Yaoundé, Cameroon, as security agencies widen investigations into his alleged activities.

Officers from the Nkoabang Special Police Station discovered the body on September 19 at about 9 am during an investigation involving Kedi Samuel Kenechukwu, also known as Ekedi Samuel, Cameroon Tribune reported on Tuesday.

Kenechukwu, founder of Mercy of God Ministry, is wanted by Cameroonian authorities over allegations including human trafficking, illegal detention and kidnapping. He has reportedly gone into hiding.

According to Cameroon Tribune, investigators found a white-and-gold coffin buried about 1.5 metres beneath a concrete slab at the property in Nkoabang.

The body inside was reportedly in a state of mummification. It appeared to be that of a woman, although authorities had yet to establish the identity of the deceased or determine the circumstances surrounding the death.

“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,” the newspaper reported, describing the burial as unusual.

The discovery followed an earlier search of the property on September 9. Investigators reportedly found five vehicles, several hundred kilogrammes of food, functioning freezers and about 30 rooms during the operation.

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

Cameroonian authorities subsequently returned to the property after parts of the premises were reportedly vandalised by residents, leading investigators to uncover the concealed underground area containing the coffin.

Security officers were awaiting authorisation to conduct further searches of the property for possible additional remains, according to the report.

The latest discovery is part of a wider investigation into properties allegedly linked to Mercy of God Ministry.

On September 6, security operatives reportedly searched another property associated with the ministry in Ngousso, Yaoundé, where they found 20 people — 10 women, eight men and two children aged six and seven- in a basement.

The findings prompted authorities to extend their investigation to other locations allegedly connected to the ministry.

Several Cameroonian media organisations have reported on the case, with Camerbe describing Kenechukwu as a Nigerian prophet who has operated in Cameroon since 2018.

Kenechukwu remains at large, while border authorities and Interpol have reportedly been alerted as efforts continue to locate him.

Authorities have not established whether the newly discovered body is connected to the allegations against the cleric or the activities being investigated at the properties.

The identity of the deceased, cause of death and circumstances surrounding the burial remain unclear as investigations continue.