Crime Watch:
Nigerian Cleric Wanted in Cameroon After Body Found in Church Property
A Nigerian cleric wanted by Cameroonian authorities has reportedly gone into hiding after a mummified body was discovered buried beneath a concrete slab at a property linked to his church in Yaoundé.
The cleric, Kedi Samuel Kenechukwu, also known as Ekedi Samuel, is the founder of Mercy of God Ministry and has reportedly been declared wanted over allegations including human trafficking, arrest and kidnapping.
According to Cameroon Tribune, the body was discovered on September 19 by officers of the Nkoabang Special Police Station 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 newspaper described the body as being in a state of mummification and said it appeared to be that of a woman dressed in a traditional blue outfit with gold embroidery.
The discovery was reportedly made after residents vandalised parts of the property, prompting investigators to uncover the concealed underground area.
Authorities were yet to establish the identity of the deceased or the circumstances surrounding the death, while further searches of the property were awaiting official authorisation.
The discovery came about 10 days after security officers searched the same property on September 9.
During that operation, investigators reportedly found five vehicles, several hundred kilogrammes of food, functioning freezers and about 30 rooms, as well as a pit measuring about two metres deep.
The purpose of the pit had not been established.
The investigation followed an earlier operation at another property associated with Mercy of God Ministry in Ngousso, Yaoundé, on September 6.
Cameroonian authorities reportedly found 20 people, comprising 10 women, eight men and two children aged six and seven, in a basement at the property.
The discoveries have prompted security agencies to expand their investigation to other locations allegedly linked to the ministry.
Kenechukwu remains at large, with Cameroonian authorities reportedly alerting border police and involving Interpol in efforts to locate him.
Investigations into the activities at the properties and the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the body are ongoing.
