Court Orders Arrest Of Dana Air MD In N1.3bn Fraud Case

Published

1 year ago

November 4, 2024

A Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has issued a warrant of arrest against the Managing Director of Dana Air, Hathiramani Ranesh, over his refusal to appear in court for trial.

The presiding judge, Obiora Egwuatu, issued the warrant on Monday while ruling on an application brought by the Attorney-General of the Federation, Lateef Fagbemi, against the defunct airline’s MD.

The AGF had filed six counts against Ranesh and two others.

In the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/101/2021, Dana Group PLC and Dana Steel Limited are joined as second and third defendants, respectively.

On October 10, the AGF’s counsel, Mojisola Okeya, made an oral application for Ranesh’s arrest over his refusal to appear for his arraignment in the alleged N1.3bn fraud case.

“Why are the defendants absent?” Egwuatu asked about Ranesh’s whereabouts from his lawyer, Ademola Bello.

The defence lawyer replied that he (Ranesh) was not in the country, adding that the other two defendants are statutory bodies of which Ranesh is their MD.

The counsel further said the jurisdictional issues raised in their preliminary objection should first be addressed.

Reacting to the lawyer’s response, “Are we playing here? Where is the respect for the court when the people you are defending are not in court?” the judge angrily asked.

However, the lawyer responded with section 266 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act 2015, saying, “We urge the court to be guided by this provision.”

Egwuatu ordered that Ranesh be arrested and brought to the court on the next adjourned date.

“The 1st defendant is bound to appear before the court and if he does not, the court can issue a warrant for his arrest.

“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,” Egwuatu said.

Ex-convict Arrested In Edo For Armed Robbery, Possession Of Firearm

Published

7 hours ago

May 5, 2026

Editor

The Edo State Security Corps (ESSC) has arrested a 45-year-old ex-convict, Owen Osas, for alleged unlawful possession of firearms and suspected involvement in a robbery incident.

Osas was reportedly arrested with a cut-to-size single-barrel gun during a covert operation along Fishpond Road in Eyean, Uhunmwonde Local Government Area.

The arrest reportedly comes barely a year after he was released from prison, where he had served time for illegal possession of firearms and other criminal offences.

Osas, who confessed to the latest crime, also admitted to being a member of the Eiye Confraternity.

READ ALSO:Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo
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Consequently, a victim of an alleged robbery incident, Reginia Izy, identified Osas as the person who robbed her a day before his arrest.
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The victim narrated that the suspect had approached her residence around 8 p.m., pretending to be familiar before carrying out the attack.
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‎The Deputy Commander Operations of ESSC, Richard Balogun, said the arrest was part of intensified efforts to rid Edo State of criminal elements.

READ ALSO:Edo South Senatorial Seat: Nothing Wrong Seeking Wike’s Support – Ogbeide-Ihama
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‎Balogun explained that operatives conduct both overt patrols and covert operations to track and apprehend suspects.
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He said, ‎“Our men are always on patrol. Some operate in plain clothes as part of covert strategies, while others are stationed at strategic locations.

“Osas, who is a former convict, was arrested with firearms and he also confessed to be a member of the Eiye Confraternity.”
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Metro

Gunmen Kidnap Businessman In Ibadan

Published

2 days ago

May 4, 2026

Editor

Gunmen suspected to be kidnappers have abducted a 60-year-old man in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

The victim was kidnapped on Saturday while on his way to his residence.

The incident occurred at Jinarere, Alakia in Ibadan.

Public Relations Officer of the State Police command, Olayinka Ayanlade, when contacted, confirmed the incident.

Ayanlade in a statement made available to DAILY POST on Sunday, explained that efforts are ongoing to rescue the victim.

Ayanlade said, “Preliminary information reveals that the victim, a 60-year-old male and building materials trader, was accosted while returning home along the Jinarere axis of Alakia Road by four masked armed men, who forcefully whisked him away in an unregistered ash-coloured Toyota Corolla vehicle”.

Metro

Tragedy As Suspected Kidnappers Kill Young Entrepreneur In Edo

Published

2 days ago

May 3, 2026

Editor

A 30-year-old entrepreneur and CEO of Principle Takeout, Justice Abu Oshioke, has been killed by suspected kidnappers in Ekpoma, Esan West Local Government Area of Edo State.

He was reportedly attacked by the suspected kidnappers on Saturday while on his way to pick up an order made for his child’s dedication on Sunday morning.

Eyewitnesses said the attackers attempted to force him into a nearby bush in a kidnapping attempt. However, he reportedly resisted and tried to escape.

In the course of the struggle, the assailants opened fire, shooting him multiple times.

Concerned residents quickly rushed him to a nearby medical facility, but he was confirmed dead on arrival.

The deceased was said to have recently gotten married and welcomed a baby boy.

The tragic event has turned a joyous occasion into a moment of grief for the family.

The shocking development has left the Ekpoma community in deep sorrow, with many residents expressing outrage over the growing insecurity in the area.

Edo State Police Command’s spokesperson, Eno Ikoedem confirmed the incident and said the Commissioner of Police, Monday Agbonika has ordered a “full-scale investigation and intensified manhunt for those responsible.”

According to her, the Police, in collaboration with the military, local vigilantes, and hunters, are actively pursuing the perpetrators through coordinated operations.