A Nairobi-based advocate has been arraigned before the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Milimani over an alleged KSh69 million gold scam, months after he failed to appear in court to answer criminal charges, prompting the issuance of a warrant for his arrest.
The lawyer, Alphonce Collins Odoyo Osewe, was arrested by detectives from the Directorate of Criminal Investigations (DCI) Nairobi Regional Office within the precincts of the Milimani Law Courts before being presented before the same court to face charges.
According to the DCI, the suspect had been on the run after failing to honour court summons issued in connection with the case.
Arrested under court warrant
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations said Osewe’s arrest was executed pursuant to a warrant issued by the Chief Magistrate’s Court after he failed to appear in court on October 23, 2025, to take plea.
The court subsequently ordered the forfeiture of the cash bail he had previously deposited after he failed to honour the summons.
Detectives tracked and arrested him at the Milimani Law Courts before escorting him to face the pending criminal charge.
Alleged fake gold deal
The advocate has been charged with Obtaining Money by False Pretences, contrary to Section 313 of the Penal Code.
Prosecutors allege that Osewe, jointly with another suspect, obtained KSh69,024,800 from a complainant after falsely representing that they were in a position to sell gold bars.
Investigators claim the transaction turned out to be fraudulent, resulting in the criminal case now before the court.
The DCI did not disclose the identity of the complainant or provide details regarding the alleged accomplice.
Pleads not guilty
When the matter came up before the Chief Magistrate’s Court at Milimani, Osewe pleaded not guilty to the charge.
Following the plea, the court ordered that he be remanded in custody pending the determination of his bail application.
The matter is expected to proceed through the criminal justice process as prosecutors present evidence relating to the alleged fraud.
Gold scams remain common
Cases involving fake gold transactions have become increasingly common in Kenya over the past decade, with fraudsters frequently targeting both local and foreign investors through promises of lucrative gold exports.
Authorities have repeatedly warned members of the public against engaging in precious metals transactions without conducting proper due diligence and verifying sellers through the relevant government agencies.
The Directorate of Criminal Investigations has in recent years intensified investigations into organised criminal networks involved in fake gold deals, leading to numerous arrests and prosecutions.
Investigators say many of the schemes involve forged export documents, fake gold samples, counterfeit licences and elaborate deception designed to convince victims to part with millions of shillings.
The DCI has continued urging members of the public to report suspected economic crimes and fraud through the nearest police station or via its anonymous reporting channels as investigations into financial crimes continue across the country.
