Nigerian who was allowed to sit Leaving to be deported again

Olukunle Elukanlo, the Nigerian student who was allowed to return to Ireland last year to do his Leaving Cert, is to be deported for a second time.

Minister for Justice Michael McDowell yesterday informed Mr Elukanlo (20) that he would not be allowed to remain in the State.

Mr McDowell said it would be "contrary to the common good" to allow him stay because such a decision would have implications for the "integrity, coherence and efficiency" of the asylum system.

In a letter, the Minister pointed out that Mr Elukanlo was "not compliant with the laws of the land" and that he had been readmitted to the State to complete his Leaving Cert, which was now complete.

Having been convicted of road-traffic offences before his original deportation last March, the student has recently pleaded guilty to further charges, including driving without insurance and road tax. Mr Elukanlo, who failed to inform his solicitor that he had two previous convictions for such offences, is due to appear in court again next month.

Mr Elukanlo, who is currently studying engineering in Tallaght, may now write to the Minister asking for leave to remain in the State temporarily. His other options are to leave the State voluntarily, or to wait to be deported.

Friends said yesterday that Mr Elukanlo would first consult his lawyer before deciding how to respond. "There's still a lot of support for him out there, and no appetite for deporting him. His relations with everyone he meets have been exemplary."