Controversial gospel musician Alex Apoko, popularly known as Ringtone, has been released from custody after spending four days behind bars in connection with a sh.50 million land fraud case.
Ringtone was granted release on a sh.3 million bond or sh.1 million cash bail by the Milimani Law Courts on Monday.
He appeared alongside his co-accused, Alfred Juma Ayora, with both being ordered to provide two contact persons as sureties. The court has set the hearing date for August 6, 2025.
The two are facing serious charges, including conspiracy to defraud, forgery, and perjury, over an alleged attempt to illegally acquire a parcel of land in Karen, Nairobi, belonging to businesswoman Teresia Adhiambo.
According to court documents, Ringtone and Ayora are accused of attempting to fraudulently obtain land parcel number NAIROBI/BLOCK 99/142 by falsely claiming adverse possession, alleging they had occupied the property for over 20 years.
Ayora faces two additional counts of making false declarations, including allegedly swearing a fraudulent affidavit before a registered advocate, S.M. Katonya, and presenting the same in an active judicial proceeding at the Environment and Lands Court under Case Number E012 of 2023.
Ringtone’s troubles deepened after he failed to appear in court when initially summoned, prompting Senior Principal Magistrate Dolphina Alego to issue a warrant of arrest.
He was finally apprehended on May 15, 2025, and has since denied all charges.
Prosecutors had earlier opposed his release, citing him as a flight risk due to his previous failure to attend court proceedings.
However, the court has now granted bail under strict conditions.
This high-profile case has garnered significant public interest, given Ringtone’s celebrity status and outspoken nature in the gospel music scene.
Legal experts suggest the fraud charges could carry heavy penalties if the accused are found guilty.
As the matter heads to trial in August, Ringtone and Ayora maintain their innocence.
The defense is expected to challenge the prosecution’s evidence, including the validity of the alleged adverse possession claims and the authenticity of the forged documents.
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