Gospel musician Alex Apoko, widely known as Ringtone, has been released on a Sh3 million bond or an alternative cash bail of Sh1 million following his arraignment over a land fraud case involving a parcel in Nairobi’s affluent Karen estate.
Ringtone, alongside his co-accused Alfred Juma Ayora, is facing serious charges of conspiracy to defraud businesswoman Teresia Adhiambo Odhiambo of a piece of land valued at Sh50 million. The disputed property, measuring 0.1908 hectares (approximately 0.47 acres), is said to have been targeted by the duo through deceitful legal maneuvers.
According to court documents, the two allegedly conspired on or before February 28, 2023, to unlawfully acquire the land by forging documents and misrepresenting facts. Ringtone is specifically accused of appearing before persons authorised to administer an oath and swearing a false affidavit claiming he had resided on the property for over 20 years — a key legal strategy used in claims of adverse possession.
The musician had initially failed to honor multiple court summons, citing illness. This led Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Dolphina Alego to issue a warrant for his arrest. He was eventually apprehended and arraigned on May 15, where he pleaded not guilty to the charges.
His co-accused, Ayora, who took a plea on March 28, is also facing an additional charge of giving false information to a public officer, further complicating the legal battle.
Magistrate Alego had earlier declined to release both suspects after they denied the charges, prompting their remand over the weekend. However, on Monday, Ringtone secured his temporary freedom through bail pending the hearing scheduled for August 6, 2025.
The case has drawn significant public attention, particularly due to Ringtone’s celebrity status and the high value of the disputed property. If found guilty, the two face severe legal consequences, including possible jail time and restitution.
As the legal process unfolds, all eyes remain on the outcome of the August hearing, which could prove pivotal for the embattled gospel singer.
