South Africa Begins Deportation Process Against Former Miss Universe Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina
South African immigration authorities have commenced deportation proceedings against former Miss Universe
Nigeria 2024, Chidimma Adetshina, following her arrest over allegations that she was residing in the country without valid immigration documents.
The development marks another chapter in the legal and immigration challenges facing the beauty queen, whose participation in the 2024 Miss South Africa pageant generated widespread public debate over her nationality and eligibility.
Adetshina, who was born in Soweto to a Nigerian father of Igbo descent and a Mozambican mother, initially competed in the Miss South Africa contest before withdrawing amid growing controversy surrounding her citizenship.
She later accepted an invitation to represent Taraba State at the Miss Universe Nigeria competition, where she emerged as the winner and went on to represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe 2024 pageant held in Mexico.
According to reports, immigration officers arrested the 25-year-old in Cape Town in June after investigations allegedly revealed that she and her minor son were living in South Africa without lawful immigration status.
Court documents filed by officials from the Department of Home Affairs stated that authorities conducted database checks and interviews before concluding that Adetshina did not possess legal residency in the country.
Immigration officials alleged that she had remained in South Africa in violation of the country’s immigration laws and requested the court to approve her detention pending deportation.
Following her court appearance, she was released on warning and ordered to return to court in July as deportation proceedings continue.
Authorities further disclosed that the matter followed an earlier decision by the Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, who rejected her request to review the department’s refusal to grant her and her son immigration relief.
According to the minister, Adetshina had earlier been informed of plans to revoke her South African identity documents but failed to respond within the required period.
Officials also alleged that she later obtained a Nigerian passport before applying for a South African visitor’s visa, which was reportedly declined after authorities claimed fraudulent financial documents were submitted with the application.
The Department of Home Affairs further declared her a prohibited person under South African immigration laws, making her ineligible for any visa or residence permit.
Authorities 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 maintained that her minor son’s immigration status depended entirely on hers and therefore could not be approved following the rejection of her application.
As part of the conditions attached to her release, Adetshina has been directed to remain at her current residence and notify immigration officials of any changes to her address, employment or travel plans while the case remains before the court.
The case has continued to attract public attention both in South Africa and Nigeria, with many closely monitoring the legal proceedings and the outcome of the deportation process.
Her next court appearance is expected later this month as immigration authorities continue efforts to enforce the country’s immigration regulations.