The Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a warrant for the arrest of Hathiramani Ranesh, the Managing Director of Dana Air, following his failure to appear in court for his trial.
This decision was made by presiding judge Obiora Egwuatu on Monday, in response to an application submitted by the Attorney-General of the Federation (AGF), Lateef Fagbemi.
The AGF has brought six charges against Ranesh and two other defendants, with the case marked as FHC/ABJ/CR/101/2021. The other defendants include Dana Group PLC and Dana Steel Limited, which are identified as statutory bodies.
In the Ruling, Justice Egwuatu held that the arrest of Ranesh is necessary following his refusal to appear in court after he was served with the charge and several proceedings taken in the matter.
The Judge held that in line with Section 184 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, the court can issue an arrest warrant against any defendant who refused to appear in court.
During the proceedings on October 10, the AGF’s counsel, Mojisola Okeya, requested an oral application for Ranesh’s arrest due to his absence from the arraignment concerning an alleged N1.3 billion fraud case.
The judge inquired about the absence of the defendants, asking Ranesh’s lawyer, Ademola Bello, about his whereabouts. The lawyer responded that Ranesh was not currently in the country, while also noting that the other two defendants are statutory entities.
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When the judge expressed frustration over the absence of the defendants, stating, “Are we playing here? Where is the respect for the court when the people you are defending are not in court?” the defense attorney referenced Section 266 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, urging the court to consider this provision.
Judge Egwuatu ultimately ordered that Ranesh be arrested and brought before the court on the next adjourned date, emphasizing, “The 1st defendant is bound to appear before the court and if he does not, the court can issue a warrant for his arrest.”
He concluded, “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 January 13, 2025, before any objection can be taken.”
