Abuja Court Issues Arrest Warrant for Dana Air MD Hathiramani Ranesh over Absence at Fraud Trial

A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued an arrest warrant against Hathiramani Ranesh, the managing director of Dana Air, after he failed to appear in court for trial proceedings.

The presiding judge, Obiora Egwuatu, authorised the arrest on Monday while ruling on a motion by the attorney-general of the federation (AGF). Ranesh and two companies—Dana Group PLC and Dana Steel Ltd—are facing a six-count charge, including alleged involvement in a fraud amounting to N1.3 billion.

During the hearing, Egwuatu questioned Ranesh’s whereabouts, addressing his lawyer, Ademola Bello, who explained that Ranesh was outside the country.

Bello also noted that Dana Group PLC and Dana Steel Ltd, the other defendants, are statutory entities under Ranesh’s management. He urged the court to first address the jurisdictional issues raised in their preliminary objection.

The judge responded, expressing frustration over the defendant’s absence. “Are we playing here? Where is the respect for the court when the people you are defending are not in court?” Egwuatu asked.

Bello cited section 266 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, requesting that the court be guided by its provisions.

However, the judge stood firm, ordering Ranesh’s arrest: “The 1st defendant is bound to appear before the court and if he does not, the court can issue a warrant for his arrest,” Egwuatu stated.

“Accordingly, relying on the said provision, I hereby issue a warrant of arrest for the arrest of the 1st defendant. The defendant shall appear before this court on the 13th of January, 2025, before any objection can be taken.”

The charges, filed under case number FHC/ABJ/CR/101/2021, include alleged fraudulent practices involving significant funds. This latest development follows an earlier request from the AGF’s counsel, Mojisola Okeya, on October 10, seeking Ranesh’s arrest for his absence at the arraignment.

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