Nigerian Cleric Flees Cameroon After Mummified Body Is Found Beneath Church Property

A Nigerian cleric has reportedly gone into hiding in Cameroon after security operatives discovered a mummified body buried beneath a concrete slab at a property linked to his church in Yaoundé.

The discovery was made on September 19, 2026, at a property in Nkoabang associated with Mercy of God Ministry, founded by Nigerian-born cleric Kedi Samuel Kenechukwu, also known as Ekedi Samuel.

Cameroonian authorities are currently searching for the cleric, who is wanted for questioning in connection with allegations including human trafficking, unlawful arrest and kidnapping.

The discovery of the body has added a disturbing dimension to an investigation that had already led security agencies to several properties allegedly connected to the ministry.

Investigators from the Nkoabang Special Police Station reportedly uncovered the remains at about 9 a.m. during an ongoing investigation involving Kenechukwu.

The body was found inside a white-and-gold coffin buried approximately 1.5 metres beneath a concrete slab.

The remains were reportedly in an advanced state of mummification. The body appeared to be that of a woman wearing traditional blue clothing decorated with gold embroidery.

Authorities have not yet officially identified the deceased, and the circumstances surrounding the person’s death remain unknown.

Investigators are also yet to establish when the woman died, how she came to be buried at the property or who was responsible for placing the coffin underground.

The discovery reportedly followed damage caused to parts of the property by residents, which exposed a concealed section beneath the concrete floor.

Security personnel subsequently examined the underground area and discovered the coffin.

At the time of the latest reports, authorities were awaiting further authorisation to conduct a wider search of the property for possible additional remains.

The development has heightened attention on Mercy of God Ministry and several properties associated with the organisation in Yaoundé.

The latest discovery came about 10 days after investigators conducted a search of the Nkoabang property on September 9.

During that operation, security personnel reportedly found five vehicles, large quantities of food, functioning freezers and about 30 rooms within the property.

Investigators also discovered a pit measuring roughly two metres deep, although its purpose had not been established at the time.

The Nkoabang property became a major focus of the investigation after earlier operations at other locations connected to the ministry.

On September 6, security operatives reportedly raided a property in the Ngousso area of Yaoundé and found 20 people in a basement.

The group reportedly consisted of 10 women, eight men and two children, aged six and seven.

The individuals were taken into custody for questioning as investigators attempted to determine why they were staying at the property and the nature of the activities taking place there.

Their discovery reportedly followed information provided to security authorities about possible people being held at the location.

Investigators subsequently began tracing links between different properties allegedly connected to Mercy of God Ministry.

Another operation had also taken place in the Essos area of Yaoundé, where security personnel reportedly found 15 underage girls at a separate property.

Authorities are investigating whether the different discoveries are connected and whether they form part of a wider network.

The circumstances surrounding the minors found at the various properties remain under investigation, and the discovery of the mummified remains has increased pressure on authorities to establish what occurred at the locations.

Kenechukwu has not been apprehended.

Cameroonian authorities have reportedly alerted border security personnel and involved Interpol in efforts to locate him.

The cleric’s current whereabouts remain unknown.

The investigation is particularly significant because the allegations against him extend beyond the discovery of the body.

Authorities are reportedly examining claims involving human trafficking, unlawful detention and kidnapping as part of the wider inquiry.

However, none of these allegations should be treated as established guilt unless proven through due legal process.

Similarly, the discovery of the mummified body on property associated with the ministry does not, by itself, establish that Kenechukwu was responsible for the death or burial.

Investigators will need to establish the identity of the deceased, determine the cause and approximate time of death and examine evidence that could explain how the coffin came to be buried beneath the building.

Forensic examination of the remains could provide important information to investigators.

Authorities may also examine the coffin, the burial site, construction materials and other physical evidence recovered from the property.

The wider search could determine whether the location contains other concealed spaces or remains.

The case has generated concern in Yaoundé because of the unusual nature of the discovery and the earlier findings at properties reportedly associated with the ministry.

Residents have also raised questions about how such underground spaces could have existed without attracting wider attention.

The investigation is expected to focus on the management of the properties, the people who lived or worshipped there and the individuals who may have had access to restricted areas.

Investigators will also need to determine whether the people found at the properties were there voluntarily or whether any of them were being held against their will.

The discovery of 20 people at the Ngousso property, including two children, has already raised questions about the conditions under which they were living there.

Authorities are expected to interview those found at the various locations as they attempt to reconstruct the activities that took place on the properties.

The investigation also comes against the background of previous official action involving Mercy of God Ministry.

The organisation had reportedly faced administrative action in Cameroon in the past, including a closure order at a Nkoabang location in 2020.

That earlier action adds another element to the current investigation, although it does not by itself establish wrongdoing in the latest case.

As investigators continue their work, authorities are expected to establish whether the various properties were being used for legitimate religious activities, whether any unlawful activities were taking place and whether the locations were connected through a coordinated network.

The involvement of children and young people has also increased concerns surrounding the case.

Child-protection authorities may be required to determine the identities, family backgrounds and circumstances of minors found at the properties and ensure that they are reunited with their families where appropriate.

The discovery of the body has also raised questions about whether additional victims could exist.

That possibility has not been established, but investigators’ reported plans for a broader search suggest that authorities are not ruling out the discovery of further evidence.

The search for Kenechukwu is therefore continuing alongside the forensic and criminal investigation.

Border authorities have reportedly been alerted because investigators believe the wanted cleric may attempt to leave or may already have moved away from the area.

The involvement of Interpol is also intended to assist authorities in locating him if he crosses into another jurisdiction.

For now, the identity of the woman whose body was found remains unknown, while the cause and circumstances of her death have yet to be established.

The investigation will ultimately have to determine whether the burial was connected to any criminal activity and whether anyone can be held responsible.

The case has attracted widespread attention because of the combination of a concealed burial site, a wanted Nigerian cleric and previous discoveries involving people at properties linked to the same religious organisation.

As security agencies continue searching the properties and attempting to locate Kenechukwu, authorities are expected to provide further information as the investigation progresses.

Until then, the allegations surrounding the cleric and the circumstances of the death remain matters under investigation, while the discovery of the mummified remains remains the most significant development in the case.