A self-proclaimed marabout, also known as a traditional healer, has been arrested in Mali for fraud after collecting thousands of euros while predicting victory for the national team at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The man, identified as Mr Sinayogo, reportedly received more than 22 million CFA francs (about 33,500 euros) in donations after assuring supporters that Mali would win the tournament.
Mali’s hopes were dashed on Friday after a 1–0 quarter-final defeat to Senegal, triggering outrage among some supporters.
Following the loss, an angry mob reportedly gathered at Sinayogo’s residence before police intervened and removed him for his safety.
Sinayogo was arrested on Saturday in the Malian capital, Bamako, and is currently being held by the cybercrime division on fraud-related charges.
An official of the division told AFP that “charlatanism is punishable by law in Mali,” adding that arresting the suspect during the tournament would have been difficult due to the intense public emotions surrounding AFCON.
A social media content creator close to Sinayogo said the suspect, formerly a political activist, “proclaimed himself a marabout overnight and made a fortune.”
