A mummified body was discovered buried beneath a concrete slab at a property linked to the Mercy of God Ministry, founded by Nigerian cleric Kedi Samuel Kenechukwu, also known as Ekedi Samuel. The body was found on September 19 at about 9 am by officers of the Nkoabang Special Police Station during an ongoing investigation. Kenechukwu is wanted by Cameroonian authorities over allegations that include 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 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 report. Security officers were still awaiting authorisation to conduct further searches of the site for possible remains. This latest discovery came about 10 days after an earlier 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, comprising 10 women, eight men, and two children aged six and seven, were reportedly found in a basement at that property. The discoveries have since prompted security agencies to investigate other locations allegedly connected to the ministry.
Kenechukwu, the founder of Mercy of God Ministry, remains at large. Cameroonian authorities have reportedly alerted border police and are involving Interpol in efforts to locate him, as he is considered a person of significant interest in the ongoing investigations. Several Cameroonian news outlets have reported on the case, with Camer.be describing Kenechukwu as a Nigerian prophet who has been operating in Cameroon since 2018.
The investigation into the activities at the properties, as well as the circumstances surrounding the newly discovered body, is ongoing. Authorities have yet to release further details on the identity of the deceased or how the death occurred. No official comment has been obtained from Kenechukwu or representatives of Mercy of God Ministry regarding the allegations.
The case has raised concerns about human trafficking and kidnapping in Cameroon. Authorities are working to establish the full scope of activities carried out at properties linked to Kenechukwu and his organisation. Kenechukwu's whereabouts remain unknown, and efforts to apprehend him are ongoing.
Key points
- A mummified body was discovered buried at a property linked to the Mercy of God Ministry, founded by Nigerian cleric Kedi Samuel Kenechukwu.
- Kenechukwu is wanted by Cameroonian authorities over allegations that include human trafficking, arrest, and kidnapping.
- The investigation into the activities at the properties and the circumstances surrounding the newly discovered body is ongoing.
