Native Doctor Detained Over €33,500 AFCON Victory Promise
By Wellington Jopelo
A self-proclaimed marabout, or traditional healer, was arrested in Mali for fraud after collecting 33,500 euros by promising the national team would win the Africa Cup of Nations. The arrest followed Mali’s 1-0 quarter-final defeat to Senegal on Friday.
The man, identified only as Mr Sinayogo, reportedly collected over 22 million CFA francs in donations from supporters, according to an associate. Angered by the team’s loss, a mob gathered at his home before police intervened and removed him safely.
Sinayogo was detained in Bamako on Saturday at the cybercrime division, where authorities confirmed he was being held for “fraud.” “Charlatanism is punishable by law in Mali,” an official told AFP, noting that arresting him during the tournament would have been difficult amid the competition.
Previously active in politics, Sinayogo “proclaimed himself a marabout overnight and made a fortune,” a social media content creator familiar with him said. The arrest highlights growing concern over fraudulent claims linked to sports outcomes in Mali.