Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, Chidimma Adetshina, will have to wait until August 19 to learn her fate after a Cape Town Regional Court postponed its decision in the deportation proceedings against her.
The postponement came after Magistrate Reema Khorana heard arguments from South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs, which insists Adetshina should be removed from the country.
The beauty queen was taken into custody in Cape Town in June over allegations that she was staying in South Africa without valid immigration papers.
According to the department, Adetshina has not obtained the necessary legal documents to remain in the country despite claims by her lawyers that efforts have been made to regularise her status. Authorities therefore argued that her continued detention and eventual deportation are justified.
The court was also informed that Adetshina allegedly still possesses a South African passport and has declined to surrender it, while also holding Nigerian citizenship.
Her defence team urged the court to consider alternatives to detention, proposing that she report to immigration officials every two weeks while the case continues.
The dispute traces back to the controversy over her nationality during the 2024 Miss South Africa competition, which eventually led to her withdrawal. She later represented and won the Miss Universe Nigeria title.
Court filings further allege that Adetshina and her minor son were found living in South Africa without lawful immigration status, with the Department of Home Affairs seeking approval to deport her.
