A Cape Town regional court has postponed its ruling on Chidimma Adetshina's immigration status and her application to prevent detention while her deportation matter remains unresolved. Both issues will now be heard on 27 February 2027, according to the BBC.
Court Proceedings and New Hearing Date
Adetshina, the model who withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant in 2024 and later represented Nigeria at Miss Universe, made a personal appearance at the Cape Town Regional Court on Monday, 20 July 2026. She is contesting a deportation order issued by South Africa's Department of Home Affairs, which arrested her in June over allegations that she entered and remained in the country without valid legal status.
The court was expected to deliver a judgment on her legal status and her application to prevent detention, but both issues were adjourned. The new hearing date is set for 27 February 2027.
Legal Arguments and State Opposition
Adetshina's legal team argues that she has substantial and demonstrable ties to South Africa. She was born in the country, and her young son was also born there. On that basis, the defence argues her immigration status can potentially be regularised rather than resolved through deportation.
The state's position, however, is firmly opposed. According to an affidavit filed by immigration official Jackson, checks conducted on the department's electronic systems confirmed that Adetshina holds no lawful residential status in South Africa. The affidavit states she is an "illegal foreigner" who "wilfully and intentionally" remained in the country in contravention of the Immigration Act 13 of 2022, and called on the court to confirm her detention to enable deportation.
Background and Broader Context
Adetshina is widely recognised as the model who withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant in 2024 and subsequently represented Nigeria at Miss Universe, where she finished as the first runner-up. The deportation case has drawn significant attention, highlighting tensions around immigration and citizenship in South Africa.
Earlier, Legit.ng reported that the Miss Universe beauty pageant might have come and gone, but the memories remained fresh in the minds of some netizens. Nigeria's representative at the competition, Chidimma Adetshina, proved her mettle and delivered as the first runner-up. During the competition, she rocked some dazzling outfits, which made her a cynosure of eyes and one of the most talked-about contestants.
