Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, is facing possible deportation from South Africa after the country’s Department of Home Affairs alleged that she is living in the country without legal status.
The 25-year-old appeared before the Cape Town Regional Court on June 9 after being arrested in the Summer Greens area. She was released on warning and is expected to return to court on July 16 as immigration authorities continue legal proceedings seeking her deportation.
According to court documents, immigration officer Adrian Jackson said officials found Adetshina and her minor son during an investigation and determined that neither currently holds valid legal status to remain in South Africa.
Jackson said officials interviewed Adetshina and searched the department’s records before concluding that she has no lawful residential status. He asked the court to confirm her detention for deportation.
The case follows an earlier decision by Home Affairs Minister Dr. 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 informed in September 2024 of plans to cancel her and her son’s South African identity documents but failed to respond.
Schreiber further alleged that she obtained a Nigerian passport before applying for a South African visitor’s visa, which was rejected after officials claimed she submitted a fraudulent bank statement. He said she did not appeal the decision and was later declared a prohibited person under South African immigration laws.
The minister also alleged that Adetshina later entered South Africa through the Lebombo border from Mozambique while presenting herself as a South African citizen. He added that her son’s immigration status depends on hers.
As part of her release conditions, Adetshina must remain at the address where she was arrested and notify immigration authorities of any changes to her residence, employment or movements while the case is pending.
