Miss Universe Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina Faces Deportation Proceedings In South Africa

Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, is facing deportation proceedings in South Africa after authorities alleged that she has been living unlawfully in Cape Town.

The 25-year-old beauty queen, who withdrew from the 2024 Miss South Africa pageant amid controversy over her citizenship before going on to represent Nigeria internationally, was arrested earlier this month in the Summer Greens area of Cape Town.

Adetshina appeared before the Cape Town Regional Court on June 9 and was released on warning. She is expected to return to court next month as South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs pursues her deportation.

Court documents filed by immigration officer Adrian Jackson outlined the department’s case, stating that Adetshina had previously been the subject of an immigration investigation.

According to the affidavit, officials from the Department of Home Affairs traced Adetshina and allegedly found that she and her minor son had been residing in South Africa without valid immigration status.

“In this affidavit, I shall now motivate reasons for deeming it to be in the interest of justice to detain this person for the purpose of deportation to the country of origin,” Jackson stated.

The affidavit further noted that immigration officials verified Adetshina’s records through the department’s electronic systems and conducted an interview to determine her residency status.

“After the above status determination interview and the DHA residency IT systems checks, it was confirmed that the applicant does not hold any lawful RSA residential status and is thus an illegal foreigner,” the court filing stated.

Jackson alleged that Adetshina had “wilfully and intentionally remained resident unlawfully” in South Africa in contravention of the country’s Immigration Act and asked the court to authorise her detention pending deportation.

The case is expected to return to court next month as deportation proceedings continue.