Nigerian Cleric Flees Cameroon After Body Found at Church Property

YAOUNDÉ, Cameroon — September 23, 2026

A Nigerian cleric, Kedi Samuel Kenechukwu, also known as Ekedi Samuel, is reportedly in hiding after Cameroonian investigators discovered a mummified body buried beneath a concrete slab at a property linked to his Mercy of God Ministry in Yaoundé.

The body was reportedly discovered on September 19 by officers from the Nkoabang Special Police Station during an investigation involving the cleric.

According to reports citing Cameroon Tribune, investigators found a white-and-gold coffin buried about 1.5 metres underground. The identity of the deceased and the circumstances surrounding the death have not yet been established.

Investigation widens

The discovery follows earlier searches of properties linked to the ministry.

During a September 6 operation at another property in Yaoundé, authorities reportedly found 20 people, including 10 women, eight men and two children.

Investigators later searched the Nkoabang property and reportedly found several vehicles, food supplies, freezers, about 30 rooms and a pit. The purpose of the pit has not been established.

Cameroonian authorities reportedly want to question Kenechukwu over allegations that include human trafficking, kidnapping and unlawful arrest. He has not been arrested, and the allegations have not been proven in court. Authorities are reportedly working with border police and Interpol to locate him.

What remains unconfirmed

The identity of the body, the cause of death and any connection between the deceased and the cleric remain under investigation.

There is also no confirmed finding that Kenechukwu was responsible for the death.

Monafrika headline:

Nigerian Cleric Flees Cameroon as Investigators Discover Mummified Body at Church Property

Monafrika Watch: The case is still developing. Readers should distinguish between the authorities’ allegations and facts that have been established through the investigation.