metro

Court orders arrest of Dana Group MD over alleged N1.3bn fraud

Published

2 years ago

November 4, 2024

Dana Air

Court orders arrest of Dana Group MD over alleged N1.3bn fraud

A Federal High Court in Abuja has issued a warrant for the arrest of Mr. Hathiramani Ranesh, Managing Director of Dana Group for failing to appear in court to face trial.

Justice Obiora Egwuatu gave the order after Ranesh repeatedly refused to attend court proceedings despite being served with the charges.

Justice Egwuatu said under Section 184 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (ACJA), 2015, the court has the authority to issue an arrest warrant for any defendant who failed to appear in court as required.

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

“Accordingly relying on the said provision, I hereby issued a warrant of arrest for the arrest of the 1st defendant

“The defendant shall appear before this court on 13th of January, 2025, before any objection can be taken,” he said.

The judge then adjourned the matter until Jan. 13, 2025 for hearing.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Federal Government, through its lawyer, Mojisola-Okeya Esho, had, on Oct. 10, prayed the court to issue a bench warrant for the arrest of Dana Air.

READ ALSO:

Esho had argued that Ranesh had refused to appear for his arraignment in the alleged N1.3 billion fraud preferred against him by the Office of the Attorney-General of Federation (AGF).

But the defence lawyer, B. Ademola-Bello, disagreed with Esho.

He argued that they had filed a preliminary objection challenging the jurisdiction of the court to hear the matter and that the prosecution had already been served.

Esho, on her part, objected to taking the preliminary objection on the ground that the defendants ought to be arraigned first before the court could entertain any other application.

The judge then adjourned the matter until Nov. 4 (today) for arraignment and/or hearing of preliminary objection.

NAN reports that the AGF had filed a six-count charge against Ranesh and two others.

In the charge marked: FHC/ABJ/CR/101/2021 and filed by Moshood Adeyemi, Deputy Director of Public Prosecutions in the office of the AGF and Minister of Justice, Dana Group PLC and Dana Steel Ltd were joined as 2nd and 3rd defendants respectively.

In count one, Ranesh and the two companies, alongside others at large, were alleged to have committed a felony between September and December 2018 within the premises of DANA Steel Rolling Factory in Katsina.

They were alleged to have conspired to remove, convert and sell four units of industrial generators “i.e. three (3) units Ht of 9,000 KVA and 1 unit of 1,000 KVA; all valued at over N450 million, which form part of the Deed of Asset Debenture that were charged as collateral security for a bond issued in your favour, which Deed is still subsisting at all material times.”

In count three, the defendants and others at large at House No. 116, Oshodi-Apapa Expressway, Isolo-Lagos between April 7th and 8th, 2014, were alleged to have conspired to fraudulently divert the sum N864 million.

The money was said to be part of the bond proceeds from Ecobank meant for resuscitation of production at Dana Steel Rolling Factory in Katsina for other unapproved uses.

READ ALSO:

In count five, the defendants and others at large were alleged to have “conspired to fraudulently remove and transfer to one Atlantic Shrimpers Account No: 0001633175 with Access Bank and divert the sum of N60,300,000 (Sixty Million Three Hundred Thousand Naira).”

The money was said to be part of the bond proceeds from Ecobank meant for resuscitation of production at Dana Steel Rolling Factory in Katsina for other unapproved uses.

The cumulative sum of the amount involved in the charge is N1, 374, 300, 000.

All the offence is said to be contrary to and punishable under Section 516 of the Criminal Code Act, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

NAN observes that Ranesh had not appear in court since the case commenced before Justice Egwuatu.

When the case was called on Monday, Ademola-Bello informed the court that on the last adjourned date, the court directed the parties to file a written address on the points of law regarding Sections 221 and 396(2) of the ACJA, 2015.

“In compliance, we filed our written address on 31st of October, 2024. Upon receipt of prosecution’s response, we also filed a reply on points of law dated 31st day of October, 2024.

“Subject to the convenience of the court, we are ready to proceed,” he said.

Esho, who appeared for the AGF, confirmed being served.

However, Justice Egwuatu asked Ademola-Bello the whereabouts of Ranesh.

“Why are the defendants absent,” the judge asked.

The defence lawyer said Ranesh was not in the country and that the other two defendants are statutory bodies of which Ranesh is their managing director.

Ademola-Bello submitted that he was of the view that the jurisdictional issues raised in their preliminary objection should be addressed first.

“Are we playing here. Where is the respect for the court when the people you are defending are not in court?” the judge asked.

But the lawyer responded that Section 266 of the ACJA, 2015, gives provision for a defendant who is not on court.

“We urge the court to be guided by this provision,” he said.

Justice Egwuatu, who gave his ruling, ordered that Ranesh be arrested and brought to the court in the next adjourned date.

Court orders arrest of Dana Group MD over alleged N1.3bn fraud

(NAN)

metro

FG Declares Thursday Public Holiday for Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary

Published

13 hours ago

September 30, 2026

Trends Admin

Minister of Interior, Dr Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo

FG Declares Thursday Public Holiday for Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary

The Federal Government has declared Thursday, October 1, 2026, a public holiday to mark Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary.

The Minister of Interior, Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government on Wednesday, congratulating Nigerians at home and abroad on the national celebration.

The minister urged Nigerians to use the occasion to promote national unity, patriotism, peaceful coexistence and mutual respect, while reflecting on the sacrifices of the country’s founding fathers and heroines.

Tunji-Ojo said peace and stability remained important to national development and called on citizens to remain committed to building a stronger and more prosperous Nigeria.

The minister also assured Nigerians that the Federal Government remained committed to strengthening national security, improving public safety and creating an environment where citizens could live and work with confidence.

The 2026 celebration marks 66 years of Nigeria’s independence, following the country’s attainment of independence from British colonial rule on October 1, 1960.

READ ALSO:

The Federal Government is marking the anniversary under the theme, “From Reforms to Stability: Consolidating Nigeria’s Renewed Hope for Shared Prosperity.” The anniversary programme was earlier announced as a low-key celebration.

As part of the programme, an Independence Day Public Lecture is scheduled for Wednesday, September 30, while President Bola Ahmed Tinubu is expected to deliver a nationwide broadcast on Thursday, October 1.

The President is also expected to participate in other anniversary activities in Lagos, including the premiere of a documentary on the late businessman and politician MKO Abiola at the National Theatre.

The Federal Government has urged Nigerians to use the Independence Day celebration to reflect on the country’s journey since 1960 and renew their commitment to a united and peaceful Nigeria.

The October 1 public holiday applies nationwide, giving workers and other citizens an official day off to commemorate Nigeria’s Independence Day.

FG Declares Thursday Public Holiday for Nigeria’s 66th Independence Anniversary

metro

Five Remanded Over ‘Tinubu Must Go’ T-Shirts in Borno

Published

13 hours ago

September 30, 2026

Trends Admin

Five Remanded Over ‘Tinubu Must Go’ T-Shirts in Borno

Five men have been remanded in custody in Maiduguri, Borno State, after they were arraigned over the alleged printing and wearing of “Tinubu Must Go” T-shirts.

The defendants — Baba Aji Gremami, 44; Mustapha Abba Yemen, 28; Abbacha Mohammed Ali, 32; Adam Umar Gubio, 21; and Abdulhamid Mohammed, 21 — were arrested on September 25 around the West End Roundabout area of Maiduguri, according to a First Information Report issued by the State Criminal Investigation Department.

Police alleged that the five men conspired to print and wear the T-shirts bearing the inscription “Tinubu Must Go”, with the intention of causing a breach of public peace in the area.

They were subsequently charged with criminal conspiracy, inciting disturbance, disturbance of public peace and thuggery under Sections 60, 78, 79 and 392 of the Borno State Penal Code.

The defendants appeared before the Chief Magistrate Court I in Maiduguri and pleaded not guilty to the allegations. Their lawyers subsequently applied for bail.

The court remanded the five men in custody and adjourned the matter to October 6, 2026, for a ruling on the bail application. The substantive case was also listed for October 26, 2026.

The police case centres on the alleged intention behind the production and wearing of the shirts, with the authorities maintaining that the conduct was capable of causing a breach of public peace. The charges, rather than the political slogan alone, form the basis of the criminal proceedings.

READ ALSO:

The arrests have generated controversy, particularly over the balance between freedom of expression and public-order laws.

Amnesty International condemned the detention, arguing that wearing a shirt expressing political dissent should not, by itself, constitute a criminal offence. The organisation called for the men’s release and urged the authorities to protect the rights to freedom of expression and association.

The African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Borno State also condemned the arrests. The party said the men were being detained for expressing a political opinion and called for their immediate release. The party’s position is separate from the police allegations before the court.

There have also been claims that the arrests were politically directed, including an allegation that a senior political figure in Borno ordered the action. However, such claims have not been independently established, and the police report cited in the case does not establish that a political figure ordered the arrests.

The development comes as political activity increases ahead of the 2027 general elections, with opposition parties and supporters using different platforms to express criticism of the Federal Government and promote alternative political positions.

The case has consequently drawn attention to the application of freedom of expression, political dissent and public-order laws in Nigeria.

For now, the five men remain defendants in an ongoing criminal case. They have pleaded not guilty, and the allegations against them have yet to be determined by the court.

Five Remanded Over ‘Tinubu Must Go’ T-Shirts in Borno

metro

FG Targets 24-Hour Electricity in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Others

Published

13 hours ago

September 30, 2026

Trends Admin

Minister of Power Joseph Tegbe

FG Targets 24-Hour Electricity in Lagos, Abuja, Kano, Others

The Federal Government has begun discussions with electricity distribution companies on plans to establish Energy Zones aimed at delivering stable 24-hour electricity supply to homes, businesses and industries in major high-demand areas across Nigeria.

The proposed zones will initially focus on the Lagos axis, Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridor and Enugu-Port Harcourt corridor, according to the Minister of Power, Joseph Tegbe.

Tegbe disclosed the plan after a strategic meeting with the leadership of selected electricity distribution companies (DisCos) as the government intensifies efforts to improve reliability across the power sector.

The proposed Energy Zones are designed to address bottlenecks at the distribution end of the electricity supply chain and ensure that more of the power generated and transmitted through the national grid reaches consumers.

Tegbe said the country’s power challenge extends beyond generation and transmission, stressing that the ability of distribution companies to take up available electricity and deliver it to homes, businesses and industries remains a major constraint.

He said the proposed zones would help close that gap, unlock additional commercial and industrial demand and improve the revenue and collection performance of DisCos.

The government also plans to expand electricity infrastructure in high-demand areas so that supply capacity can grow alongside the needs of Nigeria’s expanding economy.

The Energy Zones proposal comes as the government reports recent improvements in electricity generation and transmission. Tegbe said generation and transmission had risen above 5,000 megawatts (MW) in recent weeks, compared with about 3,700MW to 4,700MW before June, with generation reaching a reported peak of 5,330MW in August and September.

READ ALSO:

However, the minister has acknowledged that higher national generation figures do not automatically translate into reliable electricity for every community because of problems across the transmission and distribution networks.

The government has therefore been prioritising infrastructure repairs and upgrades along major electricity corridors. Tegbe previously said transformers commissioned at Apapa, Ijora, Alausa and Lekki in Lagos had unlocked 672MW of transmission capacity, while a 300MVA transformer at Katampe in Abuja added another 240MW.

The government has also been working to increase electricity metering. Tegbe said about 350,000 meters were installed during his first 100 days in office, bringing cumulative installations to more than one million by August 2026.

He also said the resolution of legal issues surrounding the AMMON smart-meter programme had cleared the way for procurement of about 1.4 million additional smart meters.

The minister has identified the Lagos, Enugu-Port Harcourt and Abuja-Kaduna-Kano corridors as priority areas for stabilisation, alongside plans for a proposed Transmission Super Grid.

The focus on Lagos reflects the state’s substantial industrial and commercial electricity demand. The Federal Government has been conducting technical assessments along major industrial corridors, including the Lagos-Sagamu corridor, to identify infrastructure problems affecting power delivery.

The government has also been pursuing targeted projects to improve electricity supply to industrial areas. In Abuja, Tegbe said the Idu Industrial Area was being targeted for a 50MW electrification project, with the first 10MW phase expected by December 2026 and the remaining capacity planned for 2027.

The proposed Energy Zones are expected to complement such targeted interventions by concentrating infrastructure and distribution improvements in areas where electricity demand is already high.

The initiative is also expected to support manufacturing, businesses and industrial production, with the government linking more reliable electricity to economic growth, job creation and industrialisation.

However, the Federal Government has not announced a specific implementation date, capacity target or detailed infrastructure investment plan for the proposed Energy Zones. The 24-hour electricity supply therefore remains a government target under the initiative and should not be interpreted as a guarantee that consumers in Lagos, Abuja, Kano or the other identified areas will immediately receive uninterrupted power.

The proposed zones also come against the backdrop of continuing financial and operational challenges in the electricity market. Tegbe said the government had mobilised about N1.23 trillion to address part of the sector’s accumulated debt burden.

He has also said the government currently has no plan to increase electricity tariffs, with the immediate focus instead on improving supply reliability, strengthening infrastructure, metering consumers and addressing financial weaknesses across the power value chain.

The minister has acknowledged that many Nigerians are still without reliable electricity, despite reported improvements in generation and transmission. He said the government would continue to focus on incremental improvements rather than promise a quick solution to the sector’s longstanding problems.

Representatives of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), Ikeja Electric, Eko Power, Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) and Sahara Energy Group participated in the latest discussions on the proposed Energy Zones.

The Federal Government now intends to work with the participating electricity companies on strengthening distribution infrastructure and ensuring that available electricity can be delivered more efficiently to high-demand customers.

For consumers, the key issue will be whether the proposed investments can translate improvements recorded at the generation and transmission levels into more dependable electricity at the distribution and household level.

For now, the 24-hour electricity plan remains at the development and engagement stage, with the government yet to provide a firm rollout date or detailed specifications for the proposed Energy Zones.