Gospel singer Ringtone to spend weekend in custody on fraud charges

Gospel singer Alex Nyachonga Apoko, widely known as Ringtone, appeared before Milimani Law Courts on Thursday, charged in connection with a Sh50 million land fraud case.

Ringtone faces serious allegations, including conspiracy to defraud, false swearing, and perjury over a disputed 0.1908-hectare parcel in the upscale Runda estate. The case stems from claims that he unlawfully attempted to seize ownership of the land.

The legal battle began after the rightful owner, a woman, reported to the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) on May 18, 2023, that Ringtone, his accomplice Juma Ayoro, and several hired thugs forcefully evicted her caretaker and took over the property.

DCI’s Land Fraud detectives launched a thorough investigation, which revealed that on February 28, 2023, Ringtone had filed a fraudulent affidavit falsely claiming adverse possession of the land, stating he had lived there for more than 20 years.

However, records show the complainant has legally owned the property since March 2000 and has consistently paid all relevant rates and bills.

Following the investigation, a warrant for Ringtone’s arrest was issued in April 2025.

After weeks on the run, police tracked him down to a hideout in Kasarani and arrested him.

At court, Ringtone pleaded not guilty to all charges.

Bail was denied, and he was remanded at the Industrial Area prison ahead of his scheduled bail hearing on Monday.

This case highlights the ongoing issue of land fraud in the region and the determination of law enforcement to uphold justice.