Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, is facing another twist in her ongoing legal battle in South Africa after authorities asked a court to keep her in detention while her deportation case is being heard.The request was made during a hearing at the Cape Town Regional Court, where government lawyers argued that the beauty queen does not have valid immigration documents and should remain in custody until the case is resolved.
However, the court did not immediately grant the request. Instead, the presiding magistrate postponed the ruling until August 19, giving both sides more time and encouraging them to consider settling the matter outside the courtroom. No agreement was reached.
Prosecutors also claimed that Adetshina is still in possession of a South African passport, despite holding Nigerian citizenship.
They further alleged that she obtained Nigerian travel documents for herself and her child before returning to South Africa through Mozambique using a South African visa.Her legal team strongly opposed the request for detention, insisting that Adetshina was born in South Africa, has no intention of fleeing, and is already challenging the government’s decision to question her citizenship. They proposed that she be allowed to remain free while reporting to immigration officials every two weeks until the case is concluded.
Her lawyers also argued that authorities did not carry out a proper investigation before declaring her documents invalid, adding that her citizenship dispute is still being considered in a separate High Court case.The case has become even more complicated following a recent High Court ruling that only immigration officers—not magistrates—have the legal authority to issue warrants for immigration detention. That decision could influence how the court handles the government’s latest request.
Adetshina first came into the global spotlight in 2024 after withdrawing from the Miss South Africa pageant amid controversy over her citizenship. She later represented Nigeria at the Miss Universe competition, where she finished as first runner-up, the highest placement ever achieved by a Nigerian contestant.She was arrested in Cape Town in June over allegations that she is living in South Africa without valid immigration status. Speaking after the latest court hearing, Adetshina admitted that the prolonged legal battle has left her emotionally drained but said she remains determined to clear her name.
