Court orders arrest of Dana Air MD over alleged ‘N1.3bn fraud’

A federal high court in Abuja has issued an arrest warrant for Hathiramani Ranesh, managing director of Dana Air after he failed to appear in court for trial proceedings.

 Presiding Judge Obiora Egwuatu issued the order on Monday, November 4, in response to an application filed by the attorney-general of the federation (AGF).

During the hearing, Judge Egwuatu questioned Ranesh’s absence, directing his inquiry to Ranesh’s attorney, Ademola Bello, who explained that his client was out of the country. Bello added that the other defendants in the case are statutory bodies for which Ranesh serves as managing director, but he argued that jurisdictional issues should first be addressed.

Unconvinced by the explanation, Judge Egwuatu rebuked the defense for showing disregard for the court. Despite the lawyer’s attempt to cite section 266 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA) 2015 to delay the process, the judge proceeded with the arrest order, noting that Ranesh is legally bound to be present for the trial.

Judge Egwuatu ruled that Ranesh must appear in court on January 13, 2025, before any preliminary objections can be considered. The AGF has brought a six-count charge against Ranesh, Dana Group PLC, and Dana Steel Ltd in connection with an alleged N1.3 billion fraud.

The case has been ongoing since October 10, when AGF counsel Mojisola Okeya requested Ranesh’s arrest following his refusal to appear for his arraignment. The arrest order now escalates the legal proceedings, placing Dana Air’s CEO under increased scrutiny.