Former Miss Universe Nigeria and Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, Chidimma Adetshina, has continued her legal battle against deportation from South Africa after the Cape Town Regional Court reserved judgment and adjourned proceedings until August 19, 2026.
The case is the latest development in a protracted immigration dispute that has drawn international attention since Adetshina’s controversial exit from the 2024 Miss South Africa pageant before she went on to represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe competition. Blueprint reports
Government seeks detention pending deportation
At the hearing, South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs asked the court to grant an order allowing authorities to keep Adetshina in detention while arrangements are made for her deportation.
The department argued that the beauty queen is residing in South Africa without valid immigration status, contrary to the country’s Immigration Act.
Government lawyers also alleged that Adetshina returned to South Africa despite having previously been declared a “prohibited person,” maintaining that her continued presence in the country is unlawful.
The authorities therefore urged the court to approve her detention pending the conclusion of the deportation process.
Defence opposes application
Adetshina’s legal team opposed the government’s request, insisting there is no legal basis to detain their client.
Her lawyer told the court that the former beauty queen has taken steps to regularise her immigration status and should be allowed to remain free while the legal process continues.
The defence further argued that Adetshina is a well-known public figure with strong ties to the community and is therefore not a flight risk.
As part of efforts to demonstrate her willingness to cooperate with the authorities, her legal team offered to surrender her South African passport pending the final determination of the case.
