A self-proclaimed marabout, or traditional healer, who allegedly collected €33,500 after promising Mali victory at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) has been arrested for fraud following the national team’s elimination from the tournament.
Mali crashed out of the competition on Friday after a 1–0 quarter-final defeat to Senegal. According to reports, the healer, identified only as Mr Sinayogo, had raised more than 22 million CFA francs from supporters, claiming his spiritual powers would guarantee Mali’s success.
After the loss, an angry crowd reportedly gathered at Sinayogo’s residence, prompting police intervention to prevent violence. He was subsequently arrested in Bamako on Saturday and is currently being held by the cybercrime division, according to two videographers who visited him in custody.
An official from the division confirmed the arrest, stating that “charlatanism is punishable by law in Mali.” The official added that taking action against Sinayogo earlier would have been difficult while the tournament was ongoing, given the heightened emotions surrounding the AFCON.
Sinayogo, who was previously known as a political activist, allegedly reinvented himself as a marabout shortly before the tournament. A social media content creator familiar with him said he “proclaimed himself a marabout overnight and made a fortune” from hopeful football fans.
The case has sparked debate in Mali over superstition, fraud, and the exploitation of public belief during major sporting events.
