The Public Prosecutor's Office near the Ouagadougou I High Court has revealed a case of alleged scam and human remains trafficking involving a self-proclaimed spiritual leader. According to the prosecutor, Seydou Ouédraogo, the suspect, identified as 52-year-old B.M., an artisanal gold miner, received 3,165,000 FCFA from a Ouagadougou resident, promising to multiply his money through mystical practices.
An investigation led by the Ouagadougou Central Police Commissariat, under the direction of the Ouagadougou I High Court Public Prosecutor's Office, uncovered the scam. B.M. showed the victim a suitcase that appeared to be filled with banknotes, but only the top bills were genuine, while the rest were fake. B.M. admitted to the scam and stated that he acted with his brother, B.Y., who is currently at large, and an intermediary, D.P.
The suspect had previously been convicted in 2006 by the Boromo High Court for maraboutage-related offenses. The investigation also led to the discovery of a human skull, monkey bones, potions, amulets, and various mystical objects at B.M.'s residence. The skull had been sold by S.M. to S.L. for 50,000 FCFA, who then sold it to Z.I. for 125,000 FCFA.
The Public Prosecutor's Office has ordered a forensic examination to determine the skull's origin and possibly identify the person it belonged to. The skull may have come from a desecrated grave or other illicit circumstances. Several charges have been filed, including scam, complicity in scam, concealing human remains, violating sepulchers, and mutilating corpses.
B.M. faces a two-to-five-year prison sentence and a one-to-five million FCFA fine for the scam. If an organized gang is established, the sentences can range from seven to ten years in prison and five to thirty million FCFA in fines. The prosecutor has also called for vigilance, emphasizing that buying, selling, or trading human remains are serious offenses.
Six individuals, including B.M., will be brought before the Public Prosecutor's Office and prosecuted through the flagrant offense procedure. An investigation will be opened against B.Y. and S.M., who are both at large. The prosecutor has urged anyone who believes they are victims of the scam to come forward.
The case highlights the need for caution when dealing with individuals claiming to offer mystical services. Authorities are working to identify potential victims and bring those responsible to justice.
Key points
- The suspect, B.M., faces severe penalties for his alleged crimes, including scam and human remains trafficking.
- A forensic examination will be conducted to determine the origin of the human skull and possibly identify the person it belonged to.
- The Public Prosecutor's Office is urging anyone with information about the case or potential victims to come forward.
