Former Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, is facing deportation proceedings in South Africa after being arrested in Cape Town earlier this month over allegations that she and her minor son are residing in the country without valid immigration status.
Chidimma Adetshina, 25, was detained in the Summer Greens area of Cape Town and later appeared before the Cape Town Regional Court on 9 June, where she was released on warning pending further proceedings scheduled for next month.
The South African Department of Home Affairs has since initiated formal deportation processes, intensifying a long-running legal and citizenship dispute involving the pageant star.
Authorities allege that Chidimma Adetshina does not hold lawful residential status in South Africa, a claim supported by immigration officer Adrian Jackson, who stated in an affidavit that electronic records and interviews confirmed her undocumented status.
“It was confirmed that the applicant does not hold any lawful RSA residential status and is thus an illegal foreigner,” Adrian Jackson stated in court documents.
The case has drawn widespread attention due to Chidimma Adetshina’s high-profile rise in the global pageant circuit.
She initially entered public controversy during the Miss South Africa 2024 competition, where questions surrounding her nationality sparked national debate and ultimately led to her withdrawal.
Following her exit, she was invited by the Silverbird Group to compete in Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, where she emerged winner and later went on to represent Nigeria at the global Miss Universe pageant, finishing as first runner-up and earning continental recognition.
Born in Soweto to a Nigerian father of Igbo descent and a Mozambican mother, Chidimma Adetshina’s legal residency status in South Africa has remained under scrutiny for years, with authorities citing inconsistencies in documentation and prior visa applications.
South Africa’s Home Affairs Minister, Leon Schreiber, has previously alleged that she failed to respond to notices regarding the cancellation of identity documents issued to her and her son.
He further claimed that her visa application was rejected over alleged documentation irregularities and that she was later declared a prohibited person in December 2024.
The minister also alleged that she re-entered South Africa through the Lebombo border from Mozambique while presenting herself as a South African citizen, a claim central to the ongoing case.
Following her latest court appearance, the court ordered Chidimma Adetshina to remain at her registered address and report any changes in residence or movement while the case remains active.
The deportation proceedings are ongoing, and no final ruling has been made by the court.
Maryam Idris is a reporter and contributor to Freelanews.com, covering news, business, and public affairs.
