A self-styled marabout, commonly described as a traditional folk healer, has been arrested in Mali after allegedly collecting 33,500 euros from supporters by claiming he could guarantee the national team’s success at the Africa Cup of Nations, only for Mali to crash out of the tournament.
Mali’s hopes at the continental competition ended on Friday after a narrow 1-0 defeat to Senegal in the quarter-final stage, a result that immediately turned public anger toward the man who had promised sporting glory through spiritual means.
The suspect, identified only as Mr Sinayogo, reportedly amassed more than 22 million CFA francs in contributions from individuals who believed his assurances, according to one of his associates familiar with the donations.
Following the team’s elimination, tension escalated as a furious crowd reportedly gathered at Sinayogo’s residence, accusing him of deception. Police officers later intervened at the scene and escorted him away to prevent further unrest.
Sinayogo was arrested on Saturday in Bamako, Mali’s capital, on allegations of “fraud” and was subsequently detained at the cybercrime division, according to two videographers who said they visited him after his arrest.
“Charlatanism is punishable by law in Mali”, an official from the division told AFP, explaining that the authorities viewed the matter as a clear case of deception for financial gain.
The official also noted that taking action against the suspect while the national team was still actively competing would have been challenging, describing such a move as difficult “in the heat of the Africa Cup of Nations.”
According to a social media content creator close to the suspect, Sinayogo was previously known as a political activist before abruptly reinventing himself as a spiritual figure. The creator claimed the man “proclaimed himself a marabout overnight and made a fortune”, capitalising on public passion and belief surrounding the national team’s AFCON campaign.
What you should know
The arrest of Mr Sinayogo highlights growing concerns in Mali over the exploitation of football fans through false spiritual claims.
AFCON tournaments often ignite intense national emotions, making supporters vulnerable to individuals promising supernatural influence over match outcomes. Authorities say such practices fall under fraud and charlatanism, which are criminal offences under Malian law.
The case has renewed debate about regulating self-proclaimed spiritual figures who solicit money under false pretences, especially during high-profile national events like international football competitions.
