Nigerian deportee returns today

Deported Nigerian student Olukunle Elukanlo is due back in Dublin this morning

Deported Nigerian student Olukunle Elukanlo is due back in Dublin this morning. Mr Elukanlo is now expected to arrive in Dublin Airport on a flight from Amsterdam at 10.30am.

He travelled yesterday from Lagos to the Nigerian capital, Abuja, to pick up his ticket and visa from the Irish embassy there, according to a Department of Foreign Affairs spokeswoman.

On his arrival, Mr Elukanlo will be met by classmates from Palmerstown Community School, who campaigned for his return since he was deported a fortnight ago.

"We're planning to leave from the school as a group tomorrow morning, and to give him a good welcome home," said classmate Neil Burke, yesterday. "I'm sure he'll be tired, so we've arranged for him to have a shower and something to eat, before taking a rest."

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Mr Elukanlo, along with those who organised the campaign for his return, is due to appear on The Late Late Show this evening. Friends have organised a celebratory party in a Lucan hotel on Saturday.

Residents against Racism plans a demonstration outside the GPO tomorrow at which calls will be made for the return of other failed asylum-seekers deported last month.

Paul Cullen

Paul Cullen

Paul Cullen is a former heath editor of The Irish Times.