Gospel singer Alex Apoko, popularly known as Ringtone, has been released on a Sh3 million bond or a Sh1 million bail alternative in a case where he is charged with allegedly defrauding a businesswoman of her parcel of land worth Sh50 million within Nairobi’s Karen area.
Ringtone had spent the weekend in police custody following his arraignment on Thursday after a warrant of arrest was issued after skipping several court appearances.
This was after Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Dolphina Alego declined to release Apoko and his co-accused, Alfred Juma Ayora, after they pleaded not guilty to charges of conspiracy to defraud businesswoman Teresia Adhiambo Odhiambo.
The charge sheet showed he conspired with Ayora on or before February 28, 2023, to allegedly defraud her of the land measuring 0.1908 hectares (0.47 acres).
It is alleged that Ringtone wanted to take over the land by means of adverse possession, claiming he had lived on the parcel in Karen for over two decades.
Ayora, who had taken a plea on March 28, faced a second count of giving false information.
He was accused of allegedly appearing before persons authorised to administer an oath and falsely swearing an affidavit in a matter of public concern to the effect that he had resided on the disputed land for two decades.
He pleaded not guilty. The court then directed Ringtone to appear for plea-taking two weeks later.
Despite multiple court summons, Ringtone failed to appear, citing illness.
As a result, Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Dolphina Alego issued a warrant for his arrest.
He was eventually arraigned on May 15 and denied the charges.
The prosecution asked the court to deny him bail, saying he was a flight risk, having absconded from court since March.
The hearing is set for August 6, 2025.
