Kenyan gospel musician Alex Nyanchonga Apoko, widely known as Ringtone, has been released on a KSh 3 million bond in a high-profile KSh 50 million land fraud case.

The release comes days after he was denied bail by a Nairobi court and held in custody. He was arraigned before Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Dolphina Alego on Thursday, May 15, alongside co-accused Alfred Ayora.

According to the prosecution, the duo is accused of conspiring to fraudulently acquire land measuring 0.47 hectares in the upscale Karen area of Nairobi. The land, registered under Title No. Nairobi/Block 99/142, is estimated to be worth KSh 50 million and belongs to business executive Terresia Adhiambo Odhiambo.

The alleged fraud occurred on February 28, 2023, when the accused reportedly attempted to transfer ownership of the parcel unlawfully.

Ringtone has denied the charges, maintaining that he has occupied the land for over two decades without contest, thereby laying claim to it through adverse possession—a legal doctrine that allows long-term occupants to apply for ownership if the rightful owner fails to assert their rights.

While the court initially denied bail, it has now granted conditional release, allowing Ringtone to remain free on bond as the case proceeds.