Gospel musician Alex Apoko, better known as Ringtone, has been released on bail after spending four nights in custody. He faces serious charges in a land fraud case involving Ksh.50 million.
The 39-year-old artist appeared at the Milimani Law Courts in Nairobi on Monday, where a magistrate granted him a cash bail of Ksh.1 million or a bond of Ksh.3 million.
The court heard that Ringtone, together with co-accused Alfred Juma Ayora, allegedly attempted to defraud businesswoman Teresia Adhiambo of a plot of land in Karen, an upmarket suburb in the capital. The land, registered as NAIROBI/BLOCK 99/142, is valued at Ksh.50 million.
Prosecutors said the two men falsely claimed they had lived on the land for over 20 years and tried to use this claim to take ownership.
“They said they had adverse possession of the property,” said one court official familiar with the case, referring to a legal term used when someone claims rights to land they’ve occupied for a long time.
The charges include conspiracy to defraud, forgery and perjury. Ayora faces two more counts, including making false statements under oath.
Court documents show he allegedly swore a fake affidavit before a licensed advocate, S.M. Katonya. He is also accused of submitting the document to the Environment and Land Court in an ongoing legal case.
Ringtone had missed multiple court summons earlier this year. Magistrate Dolphina Alego eventually issued a warrant for his arrest. Police picked him up on 15 May.
He has denied all charges.
The prosecution initially opposed bail, saying he was a flight risk. But the court granted his release under strict conditions. He and Ayora must provide two contact persons each and remain available for the next hearing, set for 6 August.
Speaking briefly outside the court, Ringtone maintained his innocence: “I believe in the truth and in God. I know justice will prevail.”
Attempts to reach the complainant, Ms Adhiambo, for comment were unsuccessful.
The case is now set to continue in August, with both sides expected to present witnesses and evidence.
