Authorities in Mali have arrested a self-proclaimed spiritual advisor, known locally as a marabout, on fraud charges after he allegedly collected over €33,500 (more than 22 million CFA francs) from supporters by promising the national team’s victory in the Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The arrest followed Mali's elimination from the tournament after a 1-0 quarter-final loss to Senegal on Friday. The defeat angered fans who had paid the man, identified as Mr. Sinayogo, for his assurances of success.
According to reports, an angry crowd gathered outside Sinayogo's residence after the match, leading police to intervene and remove him for his own safety. He was formally arrested in the capital, Bamako, on Saturday and is currently detained by the cybercrime division.
An official from the division stated that "charlatanism is punishable by law in Mali" and noted that making an arrest during the tournament itself would have been difficult amid the heightened emotions of the competition.
Sinayogo, who was previously known for political activism, had recently rebranded himself as a *marabout* and quickly amassed funds through his claims. Authorities have not yet indicated if others involved in the alleged scheme will also be investigated.
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