A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an arrest warrant for Hathiramani Ranesh, managing director of Dana Air, following his repeated failure to appear in court for trial in connection with an alleged N1.3 billion fraud.
The warrant was issued on Monday by Justice Obiora Egwuatu in response to an application from the attorney-general of the federation (AGF).
During the proceedings, Justice Egwuatu questioned Ranesh’s absence, asking his lawyer, Ademola Bello, to explain his whereabouts.
Bello informed the court that Ranesh was out of the country and noted that the other two defendants in the case are statutory entities, with Ranesh serving as their managing director. Bello also requested that jurisdictional issues raised in their preliminary objection be addressed first.
Expressing frustration, Justice Egwuatu questioned the respect for court proceedings, pointing to the defendants’ absence. The defense lawyer cited Section 266 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, urging the court to consider this provision.
Unmoved, Justice Egwuatu ordered Ranesh’s arrest, instructing that he be brought before the court on the next hearing date, set for January 13, 2025. “The 1st defendant is required to appear before the court, and if he does not, a warrant can be issued for his arrest,” the judge ruled.
The AGF has filed a six-count charge against Ranesh, Dana Group PLC, and Dana Steel Ltd, listed as the second and third defendants in the case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/101/2021. On October 10, Mojisola Okeya, counsel for the AGF, previously sought Ranesh’s arrest, citing his refusal to appear for arraignment on the fraud charges.
