A Nigerian cleric, Kedi Samuel Kenechukwu, also known as Ekedi Samuel, has reportedly gone into hiding after a mummified body was discovered buried beneath a concrete slab at a property linked to his church in Yaoundé, Cameroon.
Drivetvnews gathered that Cameroon Tribune reported that the body was discovered on September 19 by officers of the Nkoabang Special Police Station during an investigation involving Kenechukwu, the founder of Mercy of God Ministry.
The cleric is reportedly wanted by Cameroonian security authorities over allegations including human trafficking, unlawful detention and kidnapping.
According to the report, investigators found a white-and-gold coffin buried about 1.5 metres beneath a concrete slab at the property in Nkoabang.
The remains were reportedly found in a mummified condition, but the identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the death have not been established.
The discovery reportedly followed the vandalisation of parts of the property by residents, prompting investigators to search the premises and uncover the concealed underground area.
Authorities were said to be 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 property on September 9.
During that operation, officers reportedly found five vehicles, several hundred kilogrammes of food, working freezers and about 30 rooms. A pit measuring about two metres deep was also discovered, although its purpose was not immediately known.
The investigation at Nkoabang followed an earlier operation on September 6 at another property associated with Mercy of God Ministry in Ngousso, Yaoundé.
Twenty people, comprising 10 women, eight men and two children aged six and seven, were reportedly found in a basement at the location.
The discoveries have prompted security agencies to examine 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.
Investigations into the activities at the properties and the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the body are ongoing.
