Deported Leaving Cert student arrives back in Ireland
The 20-year-old Leaving Cert student who was deported to Nigeria two weeks ago has arrived back in Ireland this morning.
Olukunle Elukanlo was among a group of 35 Nigerians flown to Lagos by the Gardaí on March 14 following rejection of their asylum applications.
The deportation sparked a public outcry and his classmates from Palmerstown Community College in Dublin mounted a campaign to have the move overturned.
Justice Minister Michael McDowell subsequently agreed to grant the 20-year-old a six-month study visa to allow him to complete his exams and told the Irish Embassy in Nigeria to arrange for his return to Ireland.
Friends, politicians and classmates gathered at Dublin Airport this morning to welcome him back.
Speaking to reporters at the airport, Mr Elukanlo thanked all those who had campaigned on his behalf and also Mr McDowell for agreeing to allow him to return.
