Miss Universe Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina is facing deportation from South Africa after authorities alleged she and her minor son are living in the country without valid legal status. The 25-year-old beauty queen appeared before the Cape Town Regional Court on June 9 following her arrest in the Summer Greens area of Cape Town. She was released on warning and is scheduled to return to court on July 16 as immigration proceedings continue. No final decision has been made, and the case remains pending.
Immigration officer Adrian Jackson presented evidence to the court, stating that officials encountered Adetshina and her son during an investigation and found neither had valid legal documentation to reside in South Africa. Jackson confirmed that immigration authorities conducted interviews and checked official records, concluding that Adetshina lacked lawful residential status. He formally requested the court to confirm her detention for deportation proceedings.
The legal challenge stems from a prior decision by South Africa’s Minister of Home Affairs, Leon Schreiber, who in March dismissed Adetshina’s application to review the refusal of her request for a letter of good cause. According to the minister, Adetshina was notified in September 2024 that the Department of Home Affairs intended to cancel both her and her son’s South African identity documents. She did not respond within the required timeframe, leading to the cancellation.
Schreiber also alleged that Adetshina obtained a Nigerian passport before applying for a South African visitor’s visa. Her application was rejected after officials claimed she submitted a fraudulent bank statement. She did not appeal the decision, and as a result, she was declared a prohibited person under South African immigration laws. The minister further stated that she entered South Africa through the Lebombo border from Mozambique, presenting herself as a South African citizen.
Her son’s immigration status is tied to hers, meaning his legal standing in the country is also under scrutiny. As part of her release conditions, Adetshina must remain at the address where she was arrested and report any changes in residence, employment, or travel to immigration authorities. The court has not yet ruled on the matter, and the case will proceed on the scheduled date.
This case has drawn national and international attention, particularly given Adetshina’s prominence as Miss Universe Nigeria. The outcome could have significant implications for immigration policy and the rights of foreign nationals in South Africa. The situation remains under legal review, with further developments expected in the coming weeks.
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