Chidimma Adetshina appears in court to oppose deportation to Nigeria

Chidimma Adetshina

Cape Town – Former Miss Nigeria Universe and ex-Miss South Africa finalist Chidimma Adetshina appeared in the Cape Town Magistrates’ Court on 16 July to oppose the Department of Home Affairs’ attempt to deport her and her minor son to Nigeria.

Adetshina, who was declared a prohibited person in December 2024, was arrested last month after authorities alleged she had illegally entered and was living in South Africa.

The court ordered her to submit an affidavit detailing the steps she has taken to regularise her immigration status.

Her appearance came alongside her parents, including her mother, Anabela Rungo, who is facing criminal charges related to identity fraud after allegedly using fraudulent documents to register Adetshina’s birth in South Africa, The South African reported.

Home Affairs says Adetshina’s South African ID and passport were invalidated after an investigation uncovered alleged fraud linked to her birth registration.

The department also alleges she entered South Africa illegally after her visitor’s visa application was rejected due to a fraudulent bank statement.

Although born in Soweto, Adetshina is not automatically recognised as a South African citizen because neither of her parents was a citizen or permanent resident at the time of her birth.

However, legal experts say she may still qualify to apply for South African citizenship under provisions of the Citizenship Act if she can prove she has lived continuously in the country since birth.

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