Nigerian pastor on the run after dead body is found buried in church

A Nigerian pastor, Kedi Samuel Kenechukwu, also known as Ekedi Samuel, is on the run after Cameroonian authorities found a mummified body buried beneath a church-related property in Yaoundé. The cleric, founder of Mercy of God Ministry, has been operating in Cameroon since 2018. Police discovered the 1.5-meter deep white-and-gold coffin containing the body during an investigation on September 19.

The remains, dressed in a traditional blue outfit with gold embroidery, were initially thought to be a woman's. The investigation started after residents' vandalism exposed part of the property. Authorities are awaiting authorization to conduct further searches, as they fear more remains might be found. The latest discovery follows the search of the same property on September 9, where they found five vehicles, thousands of kilos of food, functioning freezers, around 30 rooms, and a deep pit.

On September 6, security forces discovered 20 people in a basement at another ministry-linked property, including 10 women, eight men, and two children aged six and seven. Kenechukwu is wanted by Cameroonian authorities for alleged human trafficking, kidnapping, and unlawful arrest. Authorities are currently searching for the Nigerian pastor to help with inquiries into the activities at the properties linked to his ministry.