By Paul Joseph
A Nigerian cleric wanted by Cameroonian authorities has reportedly gone into hiding after investigators uncovered 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 in connection with allegations including human trafficking and kidnapping.
According to reports by Cameroon Tribune, security 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, which was reportedly in a mummified state, was believed at first sight to be that of a woman and was found dressed in a traditional blue outfit with gold embroidery.
Authorities are yet to establish the identity of the deceased or determine the circumstances surrounding the death.
The discovery reportedly followed the vandalisation of parts of the property by residents, prompting investigators to examine an underground area concealed beneath the concrete slab.
Security authorities were reportedly awaiting further authorisation to conduct additional searches of the premises for possible remains.
The latest discovery came about 10 days after an earlier search of the same Nkoabang property on September 9.
During that operation, investigators 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.
Investigations were also extended to another property associated with Mercy of God Ministry in Ngousso, Yaoundé, where security officials reportedly found 20 people during an operation on September 6.
The group comprised 10 women, eight men and two children aged six and seven, who were reportedly found in a basement on the property.
The discoveries have prompted Cameroonian security agencies to investigate other properties allegedly linked to the ministry as authorities seek to establish the full nature and extent 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.
However, investigations into the allegations and the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the body are ongoing.
Authorities have not publicly established the identity of the deceased or explained how the person died. There has also been no reported response from Kenechukwu or representatives of Mercy of God Ministry to the allegations.
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