A mummified body was discovered buried beneath a concrete slab at a property linked to a Nigerian cleric wanted by Cameroonian authorities. The body was found on September 19 at about 9am by officers of the Nkoabang Special Police Station during an ongoing investigation involving Kedi Samuel Kenechukwu, also known as Ekedi Samuel. Kenechukwu is the founder of Mercy of God Ministry and is currently wanted by security authorities over allegations including human trafficking, arrest, and kidnapping.
According to Cameroon Tribune, investigators discovered a white-and-gold coffin buried about 1.5 metres beneath a concrete slab at the property in Nkoabang. The body was described as being in a state of mummification, dressed in a traditional blue outfit with gold embroidery, and resting on a padding. The lid of the coffin was found broken. The discovery was made after residents vandalised parts of the property, leading investigators to uncover the concealed underground area.
The identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the death had not been established. At the time of the newspaper’s report, security officers were still awaiting authorisation to conduct further searches of the site for possible remains. The discovery came about 10 days after a search of the same Nkoabang property on September 9, during which investigators found five vehicles, several hundred kilogrammes of food, functioning freezers, and about 30 rooms on the property.
The Nkoabang investigation followed an earlier operation at a property associated with Mercy of God Ministry in Ngousso, Yaoundé, on September 6. Twenty people — 10 women, eight men, and two children aged six and seven — were reportedly found in a basement at the property. The discoveries prompted security agencies to investigate other locations allegedly connected to the ministry.
Kenechukwu remains at large, with Cameroonian authorities reportedly alerting border police and involving Interpol in efforts to locate him. The investigation into the activities at the properties and the circumstances surrounding the newly discovered body is ongoing. Cameroon Tribune reported that several Cameroonian news outlets have covered the case, with Camer.be describing Kenechukwu as “a Nigerian prophet operating in Cameroon since 2018.”
During the September 9 search, investigators also discovered a pit about two metres deep, although its purpose had not been established at the time. The property in Nkoabang was found to have several rooms, freezers, and a large quantity of food, suggesting that it may have been used for large-scale activities.
The case has garnered significant attention in Cameroon, with many outlets covering the developments. Authorities are working to establish the identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the death, as well as to apprehend Kenechukwu and determine the extent of his alleged crimes.
Key points
- The mummified body of a woman was discovered buried in a coffin at a property linked to Kedi Samuel Kenechukwu, a Nigerian cleric wanted by Cameroonian authorities.
- Kenechukwu is accused of human trafficking, arrest, and kidnapping, and is currently at large.
- The investigation into the activities at the properties and the circumstances surrounding the newly discovered body is ongoing.
