Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, Chidimma Adetshina, is facing possible deportation from South Africa after the country's Department of Home Affairs alleged that she is residing in the country without legal immigration status.
The 25-year-old beauty queen first gained international attention in 2024 after emerging as a finalist in the Miss South Africa pageant before withdrawing amid controversy surrounding her citizenship. She later went on to represent Nigeria and was crowned Miss Universe Nigeria.
According to South African authorities, Adetshina appeared before the Cape Town Regional Court on June 9 following her arrest in the Summer Greens area. She was released on a warning and is expected to return to court on July 16 as deportation proceedings continue.
Home Affairs Alleges Illegal Stay
Court documents filed by immigration officer Adrian Jackson stated that the Department of Home Affairs located Adetshina and her minor son during an investigation and determined that both were allegedly living in South Africa without lawful residence permits.
Jackson said officials conducted immigration status checks and interviewed the beauty queen before concluding that she did not possess valid residential status.
According to the affidavit, the department believes she remained in South Africa in violation of the country's Immigration Act and has asked the court to authorize her detention for the purpose of deportation.
The latest legal action follows an earlier decision by South Africa's Minister of Home Affairs, Dr. Leon Schreiber, who reportedly dismissed Adetshina's application to review the department's refusal to grant her and her son a letter of good cause.
According to the minister, Adetshina was informed in September 2024 that the department intended to cancel her and her child's South African identity documents but failed to respond to the notification.
Schreiber also alleged that she obtained a Nigerian passport while in Nigeria before applying for a South African visitor's visa, which was reportedly rejected after authorities claimed a fraudulent bank statement was submitted with the application.
The minister further stated that Adetshina was declared a prohibited person on December 19, 2024, making her ineligible for any visa or permit to remain in South Africa under the country's immigration laws.
He also alleged that she later re-entered South Africa through the Lebombo border post from Mozambique while presenting herself as a South African citizen.
The Department of Home Affairs said the immigration application relating to Adetshina's minor son was also rejected because it depended entirely on her legal status.
According to the minister, the child has no independent legal basis to remain in South Africa following the rejection of his mother's application.
After her initial court appearance, the Cape Town Regional Court granted Adetshina bail on warning, subject to conditions.
She was ordered to remain at the address where she was arrested and to notify the investigating immigration officer of any changes to her residence, employment, or movements while the case remains before the court.
The matter has been adjourned until July 16, when the court is expected to continue hearing the deportation proceedings.