Former Miss Universe Nigeria Chidimma Adetshina returned to the Cape Town Regional Court on Thursday, July 16, 2026, as she continued her legal battle against deportation following her arrest for allegedly being in South Africa illegally. Proceedings resumed shortly after 2 PM, with Adetshina expected to submit an affidavit detailing the steps she has taken to regularise her immigration status.
Affidavit Submitted to Challenge Deportation
According to eNCA reporter Nobesuthu Hejana, the affidavit forms part of Adetshina's effort to challenge the Department of Home Affairs’ deportation case. Speaking outside court, Hejana stated: “After 14h00 she will present an affidavit on steps she’s taken to regularise her status in the country.” The court is expected to consider the affidavit alongside the Department of Home Affairs’ submissions before deciding on the next steps in the deportation proceedings.
Arrest and Legal History
Adetshina was arrested on June 6, 2026, and first appeared in the Cape Town Regional Court on June 9. She was released on warning while the matter was postponed to allow the legal process to continue. The Department of Home Affairs alleges that Adetshina and her minor son were living in South Africa without lawful immigration status and is seeking her deportation through the courts. Court documents previously filed by immigration officials state that authorities believe Adetshina entered South Africa while prohibited from doing so. Those allegations remain before the court and have not been tested at trial.
Background of the Controversy
The court proceedings mark the latest development in the immigration dispute surrounding the beauty queen, whose nationality became the subject of intense public debate during her participation in the 2024 Miss South Africa pageant. Adetshina, born in Soweto, South Africa, to a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother, initially contested for the Miss South Africa 2024 crown before withdrawing from the competition amid controversy surrounding her family's citizenship status. Her withdrawal followed an investigation by South African authorities into allegations concerning her mother's identity and citizenship documentation. The controversy also sparked widespread social media attacks directed at Adetshina because of her Nigerian heritage, despite the fact that she was born in South Africa and had met the eligibility requirements for the beauty pageant.
From Miss South Africa to Miss Universe Nigeria
In August 2024, the South African government stated that Adetshina's mother, at the time the contestant was a finalist in the Miss South Africa competition, may have been involved in identity theft. Adetshina later accepted an invitation to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria pageant and emerged as the winner, earning the opportunity to represent Nigeria at the global Miss Universe competition. At the 73rd Miss Universe pageant held in Mexico City, Adetshina finished as the first runner-up and was also crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania.
