Reported by: Ijeoma G | Edited by: Gabriel Osa
A self‑proclaimed traditional healer in Mali has been arrested on allegations of fraud and charlatanism after collecting more than €33,500 (over 22 million CFA francs) from supporters who believed his promise to secure victory for Mali’s national team at the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON). The arrest comes in the wake of Mali’s 1‑0 quarter‑final loss to Senegal, which saw the country eliminated from the tournament.
The suspect, known only as Mr. Sinayogo, reportedly advertised his purported spiritual powers on social media, assuring fans that his interventions would guarantee the Eagles of Mali would win the continental title. In return for their contributions, sympathisers and hopeful supporters handed over significant sums of money in the belief that the healer’s claims would bring sporting success.
After the national team’s defeat, frustration quickly turned to anger. Local sources say an incensed crowd gathered at Sinayogo’s residence in Bamako, demanding accountability and the return of their money. Police intervened to disperse the crowd and remove the suspect to prevent mob violence before taking him into custody.
Authorities later charged Sinayogo with fraud, and he is currently being held by the cybercrime division in the Malian capital. A senior official from the division reportedly told AFP that “charlatanism is punishable by law in Mali,” emphasising that promising outcomes through spiritual assurances, when motivated by financial gain, crosses into criminal deception.
According to court and police sources, the intervention and arrest were delayed until after Mali’s exit from the AFCON tournament because authorities were reluctant to take action during the heat of the competition, when emotions and national expectations were high.
Friends and acquaintances of the suspect say Sinayogo was previously known as a political activist who reinvented himself as a marabout shortly before the tournament — a shift that critics now argue was opportunistic rather than genuine spiritual leadership. A social media content creator familiar with him said he “proclaimed himself a marabout overnight and made a fortune” by exploiting the hopes of passionate fans.
The arrest has sparked a broader public debate in Mali about superstition, exploitation and the influence of social media, especially during high‑profile sporting events. Analysts note that while faith in spiritual figures remains widespread in parts of West Africa, there is growing concern that unscrupulous individuals may capitalize on such beliefs to defraud vulnerable or passionate communities.
Sports commentators also highlighted the social context in which such promises took root — a period when national pride and anticipation were at a peak, and many supporters were emotionally invested in the team’s success. Mali’s spirited performance in the tournament, including progressing to the last eight, heightened expectations among fans. When those hopes were dashed, the focus swiftly turned to those whose assurances had encouraged financial contributions.
Legal experts say the case underscores the challenges authorities face in distinguishing between legitimate cultural or spiritual practices and fraudulent activities that exploit belief systems for profit. They argue that clear enforcement of laws against deception, whether online or offline, is essential to protect the public from similar abuses.
Sinayogo remains in detention as investigations continue, with authorities probing how the funds were collected, whether digital platforms were used, and whether additional suspects might be linked to the scheme. His case may set a precedent for how Malian law deals with high‑profile fraud allegations tied to sporting events and spiritual claims.
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