A Nigerian, Pastor Kedi Samuel Kenechukwu, has reportedly gone into hiding in Cameroon after investigators discovered a mummified body buried beneath a concrete slab at a property linked to his church in Yaounde.
Pastor Kedi Samuel Kenechukwu is the founder of Mercy of God Ministry and is currently wanted by Cameroonian authorities over allegations including human trafficking, arrest and kidnapping.
According to Cameroon Tribune, the shocking discovery was made on September 19 at about 9am by officers of the Nkoabang Special Police Station during an investigation into the activities of the pastor.
Investigators reportedly uncovered a white-and-gold coffin buried about 1.5 metres beneath a concrete slab at the church-linked property in Nkoabang.
Inside the coffin was a body believed at first sight to be that of a woman, dressed in a traditional blue outfit with gold embroidery.
The remains were reportedly in a mummified state, while investigators described the underground burial as unusual.
The identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding her death had yet to be established.
The discovery reportedly followed the vandalisation of parts of the property by residents, prompting investigators to examine the concealed underground area.
Security operatives were said to be awaiting authorisation to conduct further searches of the property amid concerns that more remains could potentially be found.
The latest discovery came about 10 days after investigators searched the same Nkoabang property on September 9.
During that operation, officers 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 at the property, although investigators had yet to establish its purpose.
The Nkoabang investigation followed an earlier operation at another property linked to 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 location.
The series of discoveries subsequently prompted security agencies to widen their investigation to other properties allegedly connected to the ministry.
Kenechukwu, described by Cameroonian media as a Nigerian prophet who has operated in the country since 2018, remains at large.
Cameroonian authorities have reportedly alerted border police and involved Interpol in efforts to locate him.
Meanwhile, investigations are continuing into the activities at the church-linked properties and the circumstances surrounding the discovery of the buried body.
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