A self-styled marabout has been arrested in Mali after allegedly collecting about €33,500 from supporters by claiming he could spiritually secure the country’s victory at the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The arrest followed Mali’s 1-0 quarterfinal defeat to Senegal on Friday, which ended the team’s campaign. Enraged fans reportedly gathered at the man’s residence after the loss, forcing security operatives to step in and whisk him away for his safety.
The suspect, identified only as Mr. Sinayogo, is said to have raised more than 22 million CFA francs in donations, according to an associate familiar with the matter.
He was taken into custody on Saturday in Bamako and is currently being held by the cybercr+me division on allegations of frakd. Officials confirmed that practicing charlatanism is a cr+minal offence under Malian law.
Authorities noted that moving against him earlier would have been difficult due to the tense atmosphere surrounding the AFCON tournament.
Sources also revealed that Sinayogo, once known as a political activist, suddenly rebranded himself as a marabout and reportedly made substantial financial gains in the process.
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