A self-proclaimed marabout, also described as a traditional folk healer, has been arrested in Mali for fraud after allegedly collecting 33,500 euros in donations by promising victory for the national football team at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The man, identified only as Mr Sinayogo, reportedly collected more than 22 million CFA francs from supporters, according to one of his associates. He was said to have assured donors that Mali would win the tournament through spiritual means.
Following Mali’s eventual defeat, angry supporters reportedly stormed Sinayogo’s residence, prompting police intervention. He was subsequently removed from the area for his safety.
Sinayogo was arrested on Saturday in Bamako, the Malian capital, and is currently being held by the cybercrime division, according to two videographers who visited him. An official from the division confirmed the arrest, stating that “charlatanism is punishable by law in Mali.”
The official added that arresting the man earlier would have been difficult while the tournament was ongoing, describing it as challenging “in the heat of the Africa Cup of Nations.”
Further reports indicate that Sinayogo was previously known as a political activist before suddenly declaring himself a marabout. A social media content creator close to him said he “proclaimed himself a marabout overnight and made a fortune.”
