A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a warrant for the arrest of Hathiramani Ranesh, Managing Director of Dana Air, due to his failure to appear for trial.
The warrant was issued by Judge Obiora Egwuatu on Monday during proceedings on an application filed by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi, against Ranesh, who is implicated in a N1.3 billion fraud case.
The AGF has charged Ranesh along with Dana Group PLC and Dana Steel Limited, which are listed as the second and third defendants in the case marked FHC/ABJ/CR/101/2021.
During the hearing, AGF counsel Mojisola Okeya requested Ranesh’s arrest after he failed to show up for his arraignment.
Judge Egwuatu expressed frustration at the absence of the defendants, questioning their whereabouts.
“Why are the defendants absent?” he asked Ranesh’s lawyer, Ademola Bello, who responded that Ranesh was currently out of the country and asserted that the other two defendants are statutory entities for which Ranesh is responsible.
Bello also raised jurisdictional issues, suggesting they should be addressed prior to further proceedings.
In response, Judge Egwuatu challenged the defense’s position, stating, “Are we playing here? Where is the respect for the court when the people you are defending are not in court?”
Bello referenced Section 266 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, urging the court to consider this provision.
However, Egwuatu determined that Ranesh is required to appear before the court, stating, “The 1st defendant is bound to appear before the court, and if he does not, the court can issue a warrant for his arrest.”
Consequently, Judge Egwuatu formally issued a warrant for Ranesh’s arrest, specifying that he must be brought to court on the next adjourned date, which is set for January 13, 2025, prior to any objections being raised
