Spiritual Healer Arrested in Mali After Promising National Team AFCON Victory - Elbotola
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Spiritual Healer Arrested in Mali After Promising National Team AFCON Victory

Spiritual Healer Arrested in Mali After Promising National Team AFCON Victory

12 January 2026at16:20

Malian authorities arrested spiritual healer M. Senayogo on Saturday on fraud charges. The arrest followed Senayogo's promise to secure a victory for the national team in the Africa Cup of Nations tournament in exchange for financial donations.

According to reports, Senayogo collected over 22 million CFA francs (approximately 33,500 euros) in donations. His arrest came one day after Mali's national team was eliminated from the tournament's quarter-finals, following a one-nil defeat to Senegal.

Following the Malian team's defeat, crowds gathered outside Senayogo's home before police intervened and made the arrest. An official from the cybercrime unit stated, “Sorcery is punishable by law in Mali,” adding that an earlier arrest would have been difficult “amidst the excitement of the Africa Cup of Nations.”

Senayogo has been placed in custody with the cybercrime brigade.

Why was spiritual healer M. Senayogo arrested in Mali?

M. Senayogo was arrested on fraud charges in Mali for allegedly collecting over 22 million CFA francs, promising an AFCON victory for the national team that ultimately didn't happen.

What legal implications does this arrest have in Mali?

This arrest highlights that "sorcery is punishable by law in Mali," as stated by authorities. M. Senayogo's detention by the cybercrime brigade underscores the legal seriousness of such fraudulent activities.
Mali
Senegal

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