Chidimma Adetshina – Miss Universe Nigeria – has seemingly shamed an investigation by the South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA) – into fraud and identity fraud.
The parents of the SA-born 23-year-old model – a Nigerian father and a Mozambican mother – has come under fire over allegations of being illegal immigrants.
Chidimma is set to represent Nigeria at the Miss Universe finale in Mexico in November.
CHIDIMMA SLAMS DHA INVESTIGATION
Speaking to Arise News this week, Chidimma Adetshina hinted at the ongoing DHA investigation.
She said: “I’ve avoided the questions because it is a legal matter, and I do not have all the facts. But what I can say is that I was not running away from [anything that happened]”.
She continued: “I did not steal anyone’s identity. I’m still waiting for the conclusion on the case. Moving forward, I will know what to say”.
In an expose by eNCA’s Checkpoint last week, Chidimma’s father Michael Adetshina refused to answer questions about what had transpired.
‘I MISS MY LIFESTYLE’
In the same interview with Arise News, Chidimma reflected on her upbringing.
She said: “I was both in South Africa and I came to Nigeria when I was three years old. I stayed here for a couple of months, and then I went back to South Africa.
“I miss my friends, family, I miss my lifestyle. I’m trying to adapt”.
Chidimma made no mention of her son, who was born out of her marriage to her now ex-husband.
The 23-year-old is one of seven siblings, four of whom were based in Nigeria and two others who live in SA.
The netball star, who is based in Sunnydale, said of her Cape Town home: “There is a Nigerian population everywhere, so I felt that I was still in touch with my Nigerian heritage”.
OFF TO MISS UNIVERSE – WHAT OF HER TRAVEL DOCUMENTS?
With Chidimma Adetshina set to travel to Miss Universe in Mexico, how does the DHA investigation impact her plans?
According to the DHA, Chidimma is still in possession of a South African ID and travel documents. She also has a Nigerian passport.
However, the findings of their identity theft and fraud allegations against her parents could change that. If their permanent residency or citizenship is deemed fraudulent, then this may render them illegal foreign nationals.
DHA revealed that they are seeking legal advice on how this affects Chidimma’s citizenship status.
According to Home Affairs Portfolio Committee Head of Legal Services, Phelelani Khumalo revealed that Chidimma’s SA citizenship could be cancelled.
He said in parliament: “In the event that the director-general finally cancels the identity document, it would mean that the registration itself [of Chidimma’s birth] was fraudulent.”