By Jemimah Wellington, JKNewsMedia Reporter
A FEDERAL High Court in Abuja has intensified proceedings against Hathiramani Ranesh, the Managing Director of Dana Air, by issuing an arrest warrant after his repeated absence in a high-profile fraud trial.
On Monday, Justice Obiora Egwuatu granted the Attorney-General of the Federation’s (AGF) request for Ranesh’s arrest, following the defendant’s failure to attend court sessions in a N1.3 billion fraud case.
Representing Ranesh, defense attorney Ademola Bello claimed Ranesh was out of the country and argued jurisdictional concerns should be addressed first.
However, Justice Egwuatu reprimanded the defense, underscoring the court’s authority and the need for respect in legal proceedings.
He stressed that Ranesh must be physically present, as mandated by law, to address the charges.
The AGF’s charges, marked FHC/ABJ/CR/101/2021, name both Dana Group PLC and Dana Steel Ltd as co-defendants.
AGF counsel Mojisola Okeya had initially requested Ranesh’s arrest in October after his absence at the arraignment, citing a lack of cooperation in the prosecution of the fraud allegations.
