Hearing in Ringtone’s case stalls as DPP seeks time to review police file

The hearing of a criminal case against gospel artist Alex Nyachonga Apoko, popularly known as Ringtone, has been delayed after the prosecution informed the court that the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) requires more time to review the police investigation file.

Ringtone and co-accused Alfred Juma Ayora are charged with conspiring to defraud a businesswoman of a parcel of land valued at approximately Sh50 million in Karen, Nairobi.

During the court session on Wednesday, the prosecution submitted that the DPP had directed investigators to submit the police file for review before issuing further instructions on the way forward.

“I have received instructions from my supervisor—the DPP has directed that the police file be placed before him for review. I therefore request a month to allow time for directions from the DPP,” the prosecution stated.

Lawyer Karanja, appearing for the second accused, informed the court that they had received communication indicating that the DPP has directed the police to submit the investigation file for review before further action is taken.

The prosecution consequently applied for a one-month adjournment to await the DPP's direction.

The application was not opposed by any of the parties involved, including the complainant.

Senior Principal Magistrate Dolphina Alego has now scheduled the matter on September 8, 2025, to receive updates on the DPP’s position.

The case had initially been set for a hearing.

Ringtone, who pleaded not guilty to the charges in May, is accused of allegedly conspiring with Alfred Juma Ayora on or before February 28, 2023, to defraud Teresiah Adhiambo of the land measuring 0.1908 hectares (0.47 acres) in Nairobi’s Karen area.

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, the charge sheet shows.

Ayora faced a second count of giving false information to authorities. He was accused of 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.