Chidimma Adetshina deportation case continues as the former Miss Universe Nigeria vows not to give up after a South African court delay
Former Miss Universe Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina has vowed to continue challenging a South African deportation attempt after describing herself as exhausted and emotionally drained following the latest court proceedings.
The 25-year-old beauty queen made the statement after the Cape Town Regional Court postponed its decision on whether she should be detained pending possible deportation proceedings.
Adetshina, who is contesting the South African authorities’ move against her, said the prolonged legal battle had taken a toll on her wellbeing but insisted she would remain resilient.
“Exhausted, yes. Burnt out, yes. Depressed, yes. Will I give up? No! We no dey carry last. See you next month,” she wrote on Instagram after the hearing.
The Chidimma Adetshina deportation case centres on allegations by South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs that she is residing in the country unlawfully and should be detained while immigration procedures continue.
Magistrate Reema Khorana reserved judgment on whether Adetshina should be placed in detention until August 19, after efforts to reach an out-of-court settlement between both parties failed.
South African authorities previously arrested Adetshina in Cape Town in June, alleging that she returned to the country despite being classified as a prohibited person.
The Department of Home Affairs maintained that she is an undocumented foreign national and argued that detention was necessary while deportation proceedings were being pursued.
Prosecutors also alleged that Adetshina obtained Nigerian passports for herself and her child in Lagos, secured a South African visa and entered the country through Mozambique. They further claimed she still holds a South African passport that she has declined to surrender.
Her legal team has rejected those claims, arguing that Adetshina was born in South Africa and that her connection to Nigeria is mainly through her father’s nationality.
The lawyers accused immigration authorities of reaching decisions regarding her documents without a fair process and maintained that she does not pose a flight risk.
They also told the court that a separate legal challenge over the disputed citizenship decision is already before the High Court.
The case has attracted attention because of Adetshina’s previous experience in South Africa’s pageantry scene. She withdrew from the Miss South Africa 2024 competition after controversy erupted over questions surrounding her citizenship and identity.
Following the withdrawal, the Silverbird Group invited her to compete in Miss Universe Nigeria, where she emerged winner.
Adetshina later represented Nigeria at the 2024 Miss Universe competition, where she finished as first runner-up, becoming the highest-placed Nigerian contestant in the history of the global pageant.
Born in Soweto, South Africa, to a Nigerian father and Mozambican mother, Adetshina will now await the court’s August 19 decision on whether she will be detained as authorities continue their deportation proceedings.
