Sports
Native Doctor Arrested After Allegedly Collecting €33,500 to Guarantee Mali AFCON Victory
A self-styled native doctor has been arrested in Mali after allegedly collecting about €33,500 from football supporters by claiming he could spiritually guarantee the country’s victory at the ongoing Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON).
The suspect, identified as Mr. Sinayogo, was taken into custody in Bamako on Saturday following Mali’s 1–0 quarter-final defeat to Senegal on Friday, which ended the team’s AFCON campaign.
According to sources familiar with the case, Sinayogo allegedly raised over 22 million CFA francs from fans after presenting himself as a marabout capable of influencing match outcomes through spiritual means.
After the defeat, angry supporters reportedly stormed his residence, prompting security operatives to intervene and evacuate him for his own safety before placing him under arrest.
Malian authorities confirmed that the suspect is currently being held by the cybercrime division on allegations of fraud, noting that charlatanism is a criminal offence under Malian law.
Officials said action could not be taken earlier due to the highly charged atmosphere surrounding the AFCON tournament.
Further investigations revealed that Sinayogo, who was previously known as a political activist, allegedly reinvented himself as a spiritual figure shortly before the tournament and made significant financial gains from unsuspecting supporters.
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