A self-proclaimed marabout, or traditional folk healer, has been arrested in Mali for alleged fraud after reportedly collecting €33,500 in donations by promising victory for the national team at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The man, identified only as Mr Sinayogo, was taken into custody in the Malian capital, Bamako, on Saturday, a day after Mali were eliminated from the tournament. The Eagles lost 1–0 to Senegal in Friday’s quarter-final clash.
According to an associate, Sinayogo allegedly amassed more than 22 million CFA francs from football fans after assuring them he could spiritually secure Mali’s triumph at the tournament. Following the team’s defeat, an angry crowd reportedly gathered at his residence before police intervened and escorted him away.
Two videographers who visited him said Sinayogo was being held at the cybercrime division on allegations of fraud. An official at the division confirmed the arrest, noting that “charlatanism is punishable by law in Mali,” but added that acting earlier would have been difficult while national emotions were high during the competition.
A social media content creator close to Sinayogo said the suspect, formerly known as a political activist, “proclaimed himself a marabout overnight and made a fortune.”
Mali’s hopes at the AFCON ended after a tense quarter-final in Tangiers, where recalled Iliman Ndiaye scored the decisive first-half goal for Senegal. Mali were reduced to 10 men in first-half stoppage time after captain Yves Bissouma received a second yellow card. Despite a costly error leading to the goal, goalkeeper Djigui Diarra made several saves to keep the scoreline respectable.
Senegal, the 2022 champions, advanced to the semi-finals, where they will face either Ivory Coast or Egypt.
Reacting after the match, Ndiaye said the team’s progress mattered more than individual honours, while Senegal coach Pape Thiaw praised his side’s performance against a strong opponent. Mali coach Tom Saintfiet, despite the defeat, said he was proud of his players’ effort throughout the tournament.
AFP
