South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs has confirmed that Chidimma Adetshina, the current Miss Universe Nigeria, was detained in Cape Town in mid-June for allegedly residing in the country unlawfully. Officials stated that Adetshina is facing deportation proceedings following her apprehension.
The Department of Home Affairs (DHA) reported that Adetshina, 25, was taken into custody by immigration officials. In a statement to South African media outlets, including Sunday World, DHA spokesperson Siya Qoza said the case is being handled according to the country’s Immigration Act.
“Our officials had been tracking her whereabouts and proceeded to apprehend her for verification of her documents and other particulars,” Qoza stated. The department asserted that Adetshina’s presence in the country was in violation of immigration laws. Further details on the specific nature of the alleged violation were not immediately provided.
Adetshina, a model and pageant titleholder, had gained public attention in South Africa earlier this year as a top-30 finalist for the Miss South Africa 2024 competition. However, she withdrew from the pageant in May. At the time of her withdrawal, the Miss South Africa Organisation released a statement confirming her departure from the competition but did not specify the reason. Reports in local media suggested her withdrawal followed questions regarding her South African identity documents, which are a requirement for entry.
Following her withdrawal from the South African pageant, Adetshina was announced as Miss Universe Nigeria and is expected to represent the country at the upcoming international Miss Universe competition.
The Miss Universe Nigeria organization has not yet released a formal statement regarding Adetshina’s detention in South Africa. Similarly, representatives for Adetshina have not issued a public comment on the matter. According to the Department of Home Affairs, she remains in custody pending the finalization of her immigration case.
