Adetshina’s deportation case postponed as South African protesters demand her return to Nigeria

The Cape Town Regional Court has once again postponed its decision on the immigration status of Chidimma Adetshina, a former Miss South Africa finalist and Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, for the second time. The court appearance came on Wednesday, with Adetshina seeking to halt her detention while her deportation case is ongoing. The case, which initially stemmed from a dispute over her citizenship and ability to compete in Miss South Africa, has now evolved into a complex legal matter encompassing immigration law, detention powers, and questions surrounding her identity documents.

According to the State, Adetshina lacks a legitimate legal presence in South Africa. However, her legal team contends that she possesses significant connections to the country and asserts that her status could be resolved, given that she was born there. The Department of Home Affairs is requesting confirmation of Adetshina's detention for deportation purposes.

The department maintains that Adetshina is not legally present in South Africa and seeks the necessary legal authority to continue detaining her while her deportation proceedings persist. Home Affairs had previously announced that her South African identity documents were revoked following an investigation into alleged irregularities involving documents associated with her and her mother.

The officials argued that she lacks a valid basis to remain in the country. Subsequently, Home Affairs stated that they had discovered prima facie evidence of fraud and identity theft involving her mother's documentation. Home Affairs emphasized that at the time, Adetshina was a child and could not have participated in any alleged wrongdoing. The court will now deliberate on the matter on February 27, 2027.