Chidimma Adetshina Faces Deportation Battle in South Africa

Chidimma Adetshina, a 25-year-old former Miss Universe Nigeria, is embroiled in a deportation battle in South Africa, stemming from a citizenship dispute that began in 2024. Born in Soweto, she appeared in the Cape Town Regional Court on June 9, 2024, following her arrest earlier that month.

Adetshina was released but is required to return to court on July 16, 2024. The South African Department of Home Affairs, represented by immigration officer Adrian Jackson, has pursued her deportation, stating in an affidavit that Adetshina holds no valid South African residency status.

This investigation into her citizenship began after allegations of fraudulent registration involving her mother, Anabela Rungo, who was implicated in a broader fraud case. In September 2024, Home Affairs Minister Leon Schreiber notified Adetshina that her documents had been canceled.

Adetshina later obtained a Nigerian passport and applied for a South African visa, which was rejected due to a fraudulent bank statement. She previously withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant amid public backlash regarding her citizenship status.