The Republic of Ireland has deported no fewer than 35 Nigerians, including five children, to Nigeria in a chartered flight that departed from Dublin Airport on Wednesday night.

According to the Irish Mirror, the returnees, comprising 21 men, nine women, and five children, landed in Nigeria on Thursday.

Irish Minister for Justice, Jim O’Callaghan, said he was “happy to say” that all of them returned to Nigeria despite an unscheduled stopover due to a medical incident on board.

While the Irish government did not give a specific reason for the deportation of the Nigerian nationals, O’Callaghan only said, “Ireland has a rules-based immigration system. It is important that those rules are robust and enforced.

”However, the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission said it was not aware of the deportation of the Nigerians by Ireland on Thursday.

The NiDCOM spokesperson, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, made this known on Thursday.

Anambra State Governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo has congratulated the Muslim community in Anambra State and across Nigeria on the celebration of this year’s Eid Kabir (Eid al-Adha).

Governor Soludo expressed his goodwill while recognising the profound significance of the holy festival for Muslims, which commemorates Prophet Ibrahim’s devout faith and obedience to Allah’s command.

The Governor said the celebration reminds everyone of the virtues of sacrifice, devotion, and submission to divine will that transcend religious boundaries and speak to our common humanity.

He acknowledges the valuable contributions of the Muslim brothers and sisters to the socio-economic development of Anambra State, noting that the peaceful co-existence of people of different faiths in the state remains a source of pride and a tribute to the shared values of tolerance, respect, and unity.

Soludo said: “As we celebrate this festival of sacrifice and feasting, the Governor calls upon all Nigerians to reflect on the lessons of Eid Kabir, particularly the importance of selflessness, compassion for the less privileged, and devotion to the common good, values that align perfectly with our administration’s commitment to building a prosperous, inclusive, and harmonious society”.

The Governor wishes all Muslim faithful in Anambra State and Nigeria a joyous and blessed Eid Kabir celebration, filled with peace, prosperity, spiritual fulfillment and renewed  commitment to a better society for all.

Nigeria’s former Chief Justice, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais has died at the age of 89.

Recall that Uwais was born on June 12, 1936, in Zaria, Kaduna State, and served as Chief Justice of Nigeria from 1995 to 2006.

He was widely respected for his steadfast commitment to judicial reform and the protection of judicial independence throughout his tenure.

The family confirmed his passing in a brief statement today, saying: “Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Ilaihir Rajiun. With hearts heavy yet full of gratitude to Allah Subhanahu Wa Ta’ala, we announce the passing of our beloved father, Justice Mohammed Lawal Uwais, former Chief Justice of the Federation.

”According to the statement, funeral rites were scheduled to take place immediately after Juma’at prayers today at the National Mosque in Abuja.