Reported by Weng Patrick Atokor l Journalist at Weng Global
A Nigerian cleric, Kedi Samuel Kenechukwu, is being sought by authorities in Cameroon after investigators discovered a mummified human body buried beneath a concrete slab at a property linked to his Mercy of God Ministry in Nkoabang, Yaoundé.
The discovery was made on September 19, 2026, during investigations into activities at properties associated with the religious organisation. Cameroon Tribune reported that a coffin was found about 1.5 metres beneath the concrete floor, with a body inside that appeared to be in an advanced state of mummification.
The identity of the deceased has not been officially established, while the circumstances surrounding the person’s death remain under investigation.
Body discovered beneath concrete slab
According to Cameroon Tribune, investigators found the coffin after a concrete slab at the Nkoabang property was broken open.
The coffin was described as white and gold with a glass cover. Inside was a human body in an advanced state of mummification. Initial observations reportedly suggested that the remains could be those of a woman wearing traditional clothing.
However, authorities have not publicly confirmed the identity or sex of the deceased.
Investigators are expected to establish the identity of the remains and determine the circumstances and cause of death as the investigation continues.
Investigation linked to Mercy of God Ministry
The discovery forms part of a wider investigation involving Mercy of God Ministry, founded by Kedi Samuel Kenechukwu, also known as Ekedi Samuel.
The Nkoabang property had already been searched on September 9. Reports from Cameroonian media said investigators found about 30 rooms, several vehicles, food supplies and a pit during that operation.
The investigation follows earlier operations at other locations associated with the ministry in Yaoundé.
Cameroon Tribune reported that people, including children, young people and older adults, had been found in underground rooms or structures described as “bunkers” at sites connected to the organisation.
At Ngousso, an earlier operation reportedly led to the discovery of 20 people in a basement, according to Lebledparle. The report said the group included women, men and two children.
Kedi Samuel remains wanted
Kedi Samuel Kenechukwu is currently being sought by Cameroonian authorities in connection with the wider investigation.
Cameroon Tribune reported that he is accused in connection with allegations including human trafficking, unlawful detention and sequestration. The newspaper also reported that authorities had involved border security services and that Interpol had been contacted.
The allegations remain subject to investigation and should not be treated as established facts unless confirmed through judicial findings or other authoritative evidence.
The cleric’s current whereabouts have not been established in the reports reviewed by Weng Global.
Previous investigations into the ministry
The investigation has drawn attention to several properties reportedly associated with Mercy of God Ministry.
Cameroon Tribune said authorities had previously taken action against the organisation at different locations. A report published by Camer.be said the ministry had faced closure in 2018 and again in 2020, although some of the historical allegations surrounding the organisation remain claims requiring careful attribution.
The current investigation is therefore broader than the discovery of the body at Nkoabang. Authorities are examining activities at several properties and attempting to establish what occurred at the locations.
Identity of the body remains unknown
One of the most important unanswered questions is who the deceased person was and how the body came to be buried beneath the property.
Authorities have not publicly established the person’s identity, the date of death or the cause of death.
The discovery of a body on property associated with an individual does not, by itself, establish that the individual was responsible for the death. Any connection between the deceased and the activities under investigation will have to be established through evidence.
Cameroonian authorities are expected to continue forensic and investigative work as they seek answers.
What happens next?
The immediate priorities are expected to include identifying the remains, determining the cause and circumstances of death and conducting further searches of the property for possible evidence.
Cameroon Tribune reported that, at the time of its report, investigators were awaiting authorisation for further excavation work to determine whether additional remains might be present.
The whereabouts of Kedi Samuel Kenechukwu also remain a significant part of the investigation.
As authorities continue their inquiry, further official findings will be important in determining whether the body discovered at Nkoabang is connected to the wider allegations surrounding Mercy of God Ministry.
For now, the confirmed discovery is that investigators found a mummified human body inside a coffin buried beneath a concrete slab at a property attributed to the ministry’s founder. The identity of the deceased and the circumstances of the death remain unresolved.
Weng Global – Stories beyond borders
Sources
- Cameroon Tribune — report on the discovery at Nkoabang and the investigation into Mercy of God Ministry.
- Le Courrier du Cameroun — report on the mummified body and ongoing investigation.
- Camer.be — report on the coffin discovered beneath the concrete slab.
- Lebledparle — report on the Nkoabang discovery and earlier investigations.
