Popular gospel musician Alex Apoko, better known by his stage name Ringtone, was on Thursday, May 15, arraigned in court over a Ksh50 million land fraud in Nairobi’s Runda estate.
In a statement, the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) said Ringtone appeared before the Milimani Law Courts facing multiple charges, including conspiracy to defraud, false swearing, and perjury.
The investigating agency explained that the charges stem from an attempt to unlawfully claim a 0.1908-hectare parcel of land that belongs to a female complainant.
According to the DCI, Ringtone and his accomplice reportedly evicted the caretaker by force and took over the property, prompting the victim to seek legal intervention.
"The case originated from a complaint lodged at the Directorate of Criminal Investigations Headquarters on May 18, 2023. The complainant, a woman who legally owns the property, alleged that Ringtone, alongside his accomplice Juma Ayoro and a group of hired thugs, stormed her Runda residence.
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"The group reportedly forcibly evicted the caretaker and took possession of the property, sparking a legal battle that has now landed the singer in hot water," the statement read.
After receiving the complaint, detectives from DCI’s Land Fraud launched an investigation that uncovered what they describe as a 'web of deceit.'
"Following the complaint, DCI’s Land Fraud detectives launched an investigation, uncovering a web of deceit. Detectives established that Ringtone and his accomplice conspired to defraud the victim by filing a fraudulent affidavit on February 28, 2023. In the affidavit, Ringtone falsely claimed adverse possession of the land, asserting he had resided on the property for over two decades," the statement added.
However, contrary to Ringtone's claims, investigators confirmed that the complainant has been the rightful owner of the property for over two decades.
"However, investigations revealed that the victim has been the rightful owner since March 14, 2000, diligently paying all applicable rates and bills to date," the statement further read.
Following the revelations, detectives obtained a warrant for Ringtone’s arrest on April 14, 2025. However, the singer went into hiding, evading capture for weeks.
"Armed with irrefutable evidence, detectives secured a warrant for Ringtone’s arrest on April 14, 2025. The suspect, however, proved elusive, evading law enforcement for weeks. His run from justice ended dramatically when detectives trailed him down to a hideout in Kasarani, apprehending him," the statement further read.
In court, Ringtone denied all charges. He was denied bail and remanded at the Industrial Area prison.
He is expected back in court on Monday for the hearing of his bail application.
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