The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an arrest warrant against Hathiramani Ranesh, Managing Director of Dana Air, following his failure to appear in court for his trial. Presiding Judge Obiora Egwuatu granted the Attorney-General of the Federation’s application for Ranesh’s arrest during a session on Monday.
The AGF, represented by counsel Mojisola Okeya, filed six charges against Ranesh and co-defendants Dana Group PLC and Dana Steel Limited in an alleged ₦1.3 billion fraud case.
When questioned on Ranesh’s absence, his lawyer, Ademola Bello, informed the court that Ranesh was out of the country, prompting Judge Egwuatu to criticize the apparent disregard for court proceedings.
Bello referenced section 266 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, requesting the court’s consideration of jurisdictional matters first.
Judge Egwuatu, however, issued the arrest warrant, ordering that Ranesh be brought to court on January 13, 2025, before any objections would be heard.
