A Nigerian cleric wanted by Cameroonian authorities has 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 is reportedly wanted over allegations including human trafficking, unlawful detention and kidnapping. 

The body was discovered on September 19 by officers of the Nkoabang Special Police Station during an ongoing investigation involving Kenechukwu.

Investigators reportedly found a white-and-gold coffin buried about 1.5 metres beneath a concrete slab at the church-linked property in Nkoabang. The body was said to be in a mummified state and appeared to be that of a woman.

However, authorities have yet to establish the identity of the deceased or the circumstances surrounding the death. Further searches of the property were also being considered as part of the investigation. 

The discovery came about 10 days after security officials 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.

They also discovered a pit measuring about two metres deep, although its purpose was not immediately established.

Earlier, on September 6, security operatives searched another property associated with Mercy of God Ministry in Ngousso, Yaoundé, where 20 people — 10 women, eight men and two children aged six and seven — were reportedly found in a basement. 

The discoveries have prompted Cameroonian authorities to expand investigations into other locations allegedly linked to the ministry.

Kenechukwu remains at large, while border authorities have reportedly been alerted and Interpol involved in efforts to locate him.

The investigation into the activities at the properties and the circumstances surrounding the discovered body is ongoing. No official explanation has been given regarding the identity of the deceased or how the person died.