A Nairobi court has detained the singer for failing twice to appear for plea taking in Karen Land scam case worth Sh 50M.
Appearing afraid of cameras before magistrate Dolphina Alego of Milimani law courts, Ringtone also known us Nyachonga Apoko denied all counts.
He is charged together with Juma Alfred Ayora with three counts of defrauding businesswoman Terresia Adhiambo of a piece of land valued at Ksh 50 million located in Karen.
Ayora had pleaded to the charges earlier in March but Ringtone failed to appear for plea taking and the court issued two warrants of arrest.
It is alleged that on or before February 28, 2023, at an unknown location within Kenya, the two conspired to defraud Terresia Adhiambo Odhiambo of land parcel number NAIROBI/BLOCK 99/142, measuring approximately 0.1908 hectares, by falsely claiming adverse possession based on residency for over two decades.
According to the charge sheet, the two jointly made the false claim in order to gain control of the land without following legal procedures, leading to the charges of conspiracy to defraud.
They also face charges of forgery and perjury, accused of falsely swearing an affidavit before S.M. Katonya advocate on February 28, 2023, in Nairobi, stating that Apoko had lived on the property for twenty years, a claim known to be untrue.
The prosecution told the court that the affidavit was part of a calculated move to take over the land unlawfully by presenting misleading documents.
The matter has attracted public interest due to the involvement of a well-known city musician and the high value of the land in question.
Senior Principal Magistrate Dolphina Alego denied Apoko bail until Monday, when the court will rule on his application. The accused remain in custody as investigations into the matter continue and the court prepares to give further directions.
He was trying to hide his face with a mask and a hood so that he will not be captured by court photographers.
He remain in custody till Monday when a Pre-bail report will be tabled in court.
