A self-proclaimed spiritual healer in Mali has been taken into custody by authorities after allegedly swindling football fans out of a substantial sum of money. The man promised to use his mystical powers to ensure the national team's triumph in the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations, a promise that spectacularly failed.
The Failed Promise and Swift Arrest
The arrest followed the Mali national team's elimination from the AFCON tournament on Friday, January 12, 2026. The Eagles were defeated 1-0 by Senegal in a tense quarter-final match. With the team's exit, the marabout's guarantee of success evaporated, leading to his detention the very next day, Saturday, January 13.
Identified only as Mr. Sinayogo, the traditional healer is accused of collecting more than 22 million CFA francs, which is approximately 33,500 Euros, in donations from hopeful supporters. These fans were convinced that his spiritual interventions would secure the coveted AFCON trophy for Mali.
From Activist to Alleged Charlatan
According to reports, Sinayogo was not always in the business of spiritual consultancy. A social media content creator who knows him revealed that the man was formerly known as a political activist. He seemingly "proclaimed himself a marabout overnight and made a fortune" from the scheme targeting passionate football fans.
His arrest was carried out in the Malian capital, Bamako, and he is being held at the premises of the cybercrime division. Two videographers confirmed they visited him at the holding facility.
Legal Repercussions and Timing of the Arrest
An official from the cybercrime division explained the legal stance to the AFP news agency, stating clearly that "Charlatanism is punishable by law in Mali." However, the official also noted the challenges in acting sooner, admitting that arresting the man while the national team was still competing would have been difficult "in the heat of the Africa Cup of Nations."
The case highlights a recurring issue where individuals exploit the deep passion for football and belief in traditional spiritual systems for personal gain. Authorities are now dealing with the aftermath of the fraud, which left many fans both heartbroken by the team's loss and financially poorer.
