Nigerian Cleric Wanted in Cameroon After Mummified Body Found Beneath Church Property in Yaoundé

A Nigerian cleric has reportedly gone into hiding in Cameroon after security operatives uncovered a mummified body buried beneath a concrete slab at a property associated with his church in Nkoabang, Yaoundé.

The cleric, identified as Kedi Samuel Kenechukwu, also known as Ekedi Samuel, is the founder of Mercy of God Ministry. Cameroonian authorities are reportedly searching for him in connection with allegations including human trafficking, unlawful arrest and kidnapping.

According to Cameroon Tribune, the body was discovered on September 19, 2026, at about 9am by officers of the Nkoabang Special Police Station while investigations into activities linked to Kenechukwu were ongoing. The discovery was made at a property attributed to the cleric and his ministry.

Investigators reportedly found a white-and-gold coffin buried approximately 1.5 metres underground, beneath a concrete slab. The coffin had a broken lid and contained what investigators described as a body in a state of mummification. The remains appeared to be those of a woman dressed in traditional blue clothing decorated with gold embroidery.

Cameroon Tribune reported that the concealed burial area was uncovered after parts of the property were vandalised by residents. The discovery raised further questions for investigators, who were reportedly awaiting authorisation to conduct wider searches of the premises for possible additional remains.

The identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the person’s death had not been established at the time of the reports. Authorities have therefore not publicly established a link between the death and any alleged criminal activity involving the church or its founder.

The latest discovery followed an earlier search of the same Nkoabang property on September 9. Investigators reportedly found about 30 rooms, five vehicles, substantial quantities of food, functioning freezers and a pit measuring roughly two metres in depth. The purpose of the pit was not immediately established.

The Nkoabang investigation reportedly followed an operation at another property linked to Mercy of God Ministry in the Ngousso area of Yaoundé on September 6. According to reports, security personnel found 20 people inside a basement, comprising 10 women, eight men and two children aged six and seven.

The discoveries at the different properties have prompted a broader investigation into the activities allegedly carried out at locations associated with the ministry. Cameroonian authorities are particularly investigating allegations involving human trafficking and the confinement of people, while the circumstances surrounding the newly discovered body remain subject to investigation.

Kenechukwu remains at large, according to reports. Cameroonian authorities have reportedly alerted border security personnel and involved Interpol in efforts to locate him. Meanwhile, investigators are continuing their examination of the Nkoabang property as they seek to formally identify the remains and determine whether other evidence or bodies may be concealed on the site.

The case remains under investigation, and the discovery of the mummified body alone does not establish who was responsible for the death or whether the cleric had any involvement. Further forensic examination, searches and official findings are expected to provide more information about the identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the burial.