Renowned gospel artist Alex Apoko, mostly known as Ringtone, was on May 15, arraigned in court over a Ksh 50 million land fraud in Nairobi’s Runda estate.
In a statement issued by the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI), Ringtone appeared before the Milimani Law Courts facing multiple charges, including conspiracy to defraud, false swearing, and perjury.
According to DCI, the charges stem from an attempt to unlawfully claim a 0.1908-hectare parcel of land that belongs to a female complainant.
Singer Ringtone Apoko caught up in Ksh 50 Million land scam. Photo:Courtesy.
The investigative agency noted that 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. 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 launched an investigation that uncovered what they describe as a ‘web of deceit.’
Contrary to Ringtone’s claims, detectives confirmed that the complainant has been the rightful owner of the property for over two decades.
After the confirmation DCI obtained a warrant for Ringtone’s arrest on April 14, 2025.
However, the singer went into hiding, evading capture for weeks.
In court, Ringtone denied all charges and he was denied bail.
He is expected back in court on Monday for the hearing of his bail application.
