Chidinma Adetshina, the newly-crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, has publicly addressed the allegations of identity theft brought against her by the South African government. These claims surfaced during her brief participation in the Miss South Africa pageant, where accusations of identity fraud involving her family attracted widespread attention.
The South African Department of Home Affairs (DHA) had suggested that Chidinma’s mother might have been involved in fraud and identity theft, complicating Chidinma’s personal background. Born in Soweto, South Africa, at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in 2001, Chidinma has a Nigerian father of Igbo descent and a mother from Mozambique, who is now a naturalized South African citizen.
Following the controversy, Chidinma withdrew from the Miss South Africa pageant and entered the Miss Universe Nigeria competition, which she ultimately won.
In her first public interview with Arise News, the 23-year-old addressed the allegations, firmly denying the claims of identity theft. “I did not steal anyone’s identity,” Chidinma stated. She further explained her decision to remain silent on the issue, acknowledging its legal complexity. “I’m just waiting for the conclusion of the case and the whole matter. Then moving forward, I will know exactly what to say,” she added, expressing caution about potentially contradictory statements.
Chidinma emphasized that her silence was not an attempt to evade the situation but rather due to the legal nature of the case. She reiterated her innocence, stating, “What I can speak on is that I know I did not steal anyone’s identity.”
The beauty queen concluded her remarks by asserting that she is focused on pursuing her dreams and awaiting the final resolution of the case.
