The court expects gospel artist Alex Apoko, popularly known as Ringtone, to appear today (Tuesday) over a contentious land ownership dispute involving a 0.5-acre parcel in Karen, Nairobi, valued at approximately Sh50 million.

The musician is facing an active arrest warrant after repeatedly failing to appear in court for scheduled proceedings.

On Monday, May 12, Ringtone again missed a court session. His lawyer informed the court that he was unwell and remains admitted at a medical facility in Ngong town, Kajiado County.

Milimani Senior Principal Magistrate Dolphina Alego issued a warrant of arrest for Ringtone early last month and directed the authorities to produce him in court on May 7, 2025. However, the accused failed to appear on that date as well. The court postponed the hearing to May 12 after his lawyer requested more time, citing the musician’s continued hospitalization

Magistrate Alego instructed the prosecution and the investigating officer to return to court today with either the accused or a clear plan on how the case should proceed.

“The accused has a warrant of arrest. The Office of the DPP should determine whether the matter is ready for plea or not tomorrow (today),” she said.

The charge sheet states that Ringtone conspired with Alfred Juma Ayora. They allegedly defrauded Teresiah Adhiambo of a 0.47-acre parcel of land in Karen.
The land, Nairobi Block 99/142, is valued at approximately Sh50 million.

The prosecution alleges that Ringtone attempted to claim ownership of the land through adverse possession, asserting he had lived on the parcel for over 20 years.

Alfred Ayora appeared in court on March 28, pleaded not guilty, and the court formally charged him. Ringtone was absent.

The court had previously directed Ringtone to appear on Monday, April 14, to take a plea ahead of pre-trial proceedings. However, he failed to attend.

His lawyer, Mr. Karanja, told the court that Ringtone fell ill on April 10.
He received treatment at Nakuru County Teaching and Referral Hospital and was later discharged.
However, his condition worsened on April 13.

Doctors subsequently admitted him to Trinity Care Centre in Ngong, where he remains under medical care.