Former Miss Nigeria's South Africa Deportation Battle Takes Dramatic Twist
The legal battle involving former Miss South Africa contestant and Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, has been adjourned until August 19, 2026, after proceedings at the Cape Town Regional. . .
The legal battle involving former Miss South Africa contestant and Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, has been adjourned until August 19, 2026, after proceedings at the Cape Town Regional Court. Adetshina appeared before the court on Monday to challenge the South African Department of Home Affairs’ decision to deport her from the country. The beauty queen was arrested in Cape Town last month over allegations that she was residing in South Africa illegally. Following arguments from both parties, the presiding magistrate, Reema Khorana, adjourned the matter for judgment. During the hearing, lawyers representing the Department of Home Affairs argued that Adetshina should be deported, insisting she does not possess the required immigration documents to remain in South Africa legally. The department also told the court that although the defence claimed Adetshina had taken steps to regularise her immigration status, the necessary documentation was still lacking. It further alleged that Adetshina remains in possession of a South African passport, which she has refused to surrender, despite also holding Nigerian citizenship. However, her legal team urged the court to consider alternatives to detention and deportation. Among the proposals put forward was a request that she be allowed to report to an immigration officer every two weeks while the matter is being resolved. Adetshina was born in Soweto, South Africa, to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother. She initially competed in the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant but withdrew after controversy erupted over questions surrounding her family’s citizenship status. Her withdrawal followed an investigation by South African authorities into allegations that her mother may have been involved in identity theft and issues relating to citizenship documentation. The controversy sparked widespread debate on social media, with Adetshina facing criticism from some South Africans over her Nigerian heritage, despite being born in the country and meeting the pageant’s eligibility requirements. After leaving the Miss South Africa competition, she accepted an invitation to participate in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant, where she emerged winner and went on to represent Nigeria at the global competition. At the 73rd Miss Universe pageant held in Mexico City, Adetshina finished as the first runner-up and was also crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania. The court is expected to deliver its judgment on the deportation case when proceedings resume on August 19. SendUs A Press StatementAdvertise With UsContact UsAnd For More Nigerian News Visit GWG. NG