Former Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina, has spoken publicly about the emotional toll of her ongoing legal battle in South Africa after a court postponed its ruling on her deportation case until August 19.
The beauty queen took to social media shortly after Monday’s court proceedings, revealing that she feels exhausted, burnt out and depressed, but remains determined to continue fighting her case.
Her emotional message came after another hearing at the Cape Town Regional Court, where arguments continued over her immigration status and whether she should remain free while legal proceedings continue.
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For updates on immigration matters in South Africa, visit the South African Department of Home Affairs.
Court postpones ruling until August 19
Chidimma appeared before the Cape Town Regional Court on Monday, July 20, 2026, as both the prosecution and defence submitted responding affidavits.
At an earlier hearing, Adetshina had filed a sworn statement explaining the steps she said she took to regularise her immigration status.
However, after hearing submissions from both sides, Magistrate Reema Khorana postponed judgment on whether Adetshina should be detained pending deportation.
The court is now expected to deliver its ruling on August 19.
Prosecutors seek her detention
During the hearing, prosecutors argued that Adetshina is an undocumented foreign national who should be detained while deportation proceedings continue.
According to the prosecution, she allegedly obtained Nigerian passports for herself and her child in Lagos before securing a South African visa and returning to South Africa through Mozambique.
The state further alleged that she still possesses a South African passport and has failed to surrender it to the authorities.
These allegations remain before the court and have not been determined.
Her legal team rejects the allegations
Adetshina’s lawyers strongly disputed the prosecution’s claims.
According to the defence, she was born in South Africa and has no meaningful ties to Nigeria.
Her legal representatives argued that the Department of Home Affairs did not conduct a fair investigation before cancelling her documentation.
They also maintained that she does not pose a flight risk and should therefore not be detained while the matter remains before the courts.
The defence further noted that questions surrounding her citizenship are already being challenged separately before a higher court.
Magistrate encouraged settlement
During proceedings, Magistrate Reema Khorana encouraged both parties to explore the possibility of resolving the dispute outside the courtroom.
However, no agreement was reached between the parties.
As a result, the court deferred its decision until August while both sides continue preparing their legal arguments.
Chidimma opens up emotionally
Following the hearing, Adetshina shared a brief but emotional message with supporters on social media.
She wrote:
“Exhausted – Yes. Burnt out – Yes. Depressed – Yes. Will I give up? No!”
The post quickly attracted thousands of reactions, with many supporters expressing encouragement and urging her to remain strong throughout the legal process.
A controversy that began during Miss South Africa
The legal battle stems from the controversy that emerged during the Miss South Africa 2024 competition.
After qualifying as a finalist, questions surrounding Adetshina’s nationality and citizenship generated widespread public debate.
She later withdrew from the competition following safety concerns and increasing public scrutiny.
She subsequently accepted an invitation to participate in Miss Universe Nigeria, where she emerged as the winner before representing Nigeria at the Miss Universe competition.
Chidimma later finished as the first runner-up and was crowned Miss Universe Africa and Oceania, further raising her international profile.
Case remains before the court
Although prosecutors continue seeking her deportation, the allegations against Chidimma Adetshina have not been proven in court.
Her legal challenge regarding her citizenship and immigration status remains ongoing, and no final determination has yet been made.
The next major development is expected on August 19, when the Cape Town Regional Court is scheduled to rule on whether she should remain free or be detained while deportation proceedings continue.
Until then, Adetshina says she remains emotionally drained but determined not to give up as she continues her legal fight.
