Adetshina deportation case postponed as protesters demand her return to Nigeria

The Cape Town Regional Court has adjourned the immigration case of former Miss Universe Nigeria 2024, Chidinma Adetshina, until February 27, 2027. Adetshina is seeking to prevent authorities from detaining her over her immigration status, having submitted an affidavit detailing her efforts to regularize her position in South Africa.

Outside the courthouse, protesters from the anti-migrant group March and March demanded Adetshina's return to Nigeria. The group advocates for the removal of undocumented migrants. Protesters held placards and pursued Adetshina's vehicle as she left the court.

Adetshina, who was born in South Africa to a Nigerian father and Mozambican mother, stated that authorities should not let xenophobia and misinformation influence decisions. She claims she was born in South Africa and has followed legal channels for status determination.

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I want to remind everyone that I was born in South Africa. I have applied through the proper legal channels to determine my status and citizenship.

Her deportation proceedings began in June after immigration officers arrested her, alleging unlawful residence. The court had previously released her on a warning. The case gained attention less than two years prior when questions about her Nigerian heritage arose during the Miss South Africa 2024 pageant, before she went on to win Miss Universe Nigeria and represent the country internationally.

Immigration officer Adrian Jackson presented documents indicating Adetshina and her young son were residing in South Africa without valid documentation, noting he knew Adetshina from a previous investigation.

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Authorities should not allow xenophobia and misinformation to shape decisions about how people are treated.