Former Miss Universe Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina is facing deportation proceedings in South Africa after immigration authorities alleged that she has been residing in the country without valid legal status.
The 25-year-old beauty queen, whose citizenship became the subject of public debate during her participation in the 2024 Miss South Africa competition, was arrested earlier this month in the Summer Greens area of Cape Town.
She appeared before the Cape Town Regional Court on June 9, where she was released on warning pending further legal proceedings.
The matter has been adjourned until next month as South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs continues its efforts to seek her deportation.
Immigration Authorities Outline Case
According to court documents filed by immigration officer Adrian Jackson, Adetshina had previously been the subject of an immigration investigation.
Jackson stated that officials from the Department of Home Affairs located Adetshina and alleged that she, alongside her minor son, had been living in South Africa without lawful immigration status.
In an affidavit presented before the court, Jackson argued that it was in the interest of justice for Adetshina to remain in detention for the purpose of deportation to her country of origin.
The affidavit further stated that immigration officials conducted electronic database checks and interviewed Adetshina to determine her residency status.
Authorities claim the investigation found that she does not possess valid residential documentation permitting her to remain in South Africa.
According to the filing, officials concluded that she had remained in the country unlawfully, allegedly in contravention of the country’s immigration laws.
Department Seeks Deportation Order
The Department of Home Affairs has asked the court to confirm Adetshina’s detention for the purpose of facilitating her removal from South Africa, arguing that it is carrying out its legal mandate to enforce immigration regulations.
The case is expected to return before the Cape Town Regional Court next month, where further proceedings on the deportation application will continue.
Background to the Controversy
Adetshina became the centre of national attention in 2024 after qualifying as a finalist in the Miss South Africa beauty pageant.
However, questions surrounding her citizenship eligibility triggered widespread public debate, eventually leading to her withdrawal from the competition.
She later accepted an invitation to compete in Miss Universe Nigeria, where she emerged as the winner and went on to represent Nigeria at the international Miss Universe pageant.
The ongoing immigration case is separate from the earlier pageant controversy and will be determined through South Africa’s legal process.
