7
Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, is facing the possibility of deportation from South Africa after the country’s Department of Home Affairs alleged that she is residing there illegally.
The 25-year-old appeared before the Cape Town Regional Court on June 9 following her arrest in the Summer Greens area. She was released on warning and is expected to return to court on 16 July as immigration authorities proceed with legal steps to deport her.
According to court documents, immigration officer Adrian Jackson stated that officials found Adetshina and her minor son during an investigation and established that neither currently holds a valid permit to remain in South Africa.
Jackson explained that officials interviewed Adetshina and examined the department’s records before concluding she has no lawful residence status. He requested that the court authorise her detention for deportation.
This case follows an earlier decision by Home Affairs Minister Dr Leon Schreiber, who in March dismissed Adetshina’s application to review the rejection of her request for a letter of good standing.
The minister stated that Adetshina was informed in September 2024 of intentions to cancel her and her son’s South African identity documents, but she failed to respond.
Schreiber further claimed she obtained a Nigerian passport before applying for a South African visitor’s visa, which was refused after officials alleged she submitted a forged bank statement. He noted she did not appeal the decision and was subsequently 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, claiming to be a South African citizen. He added that her son’s immigration status depends on hers.
As part of her release conditions, Adetshina must stay at the address where she was detained and inform immigration authorities of any changes to her residence, employment, or travel plans while the case remains pending.
