7th September, 2024
By Oluwapelumi Oluwayemi
Chidimma Adetshina, the newly-crowned Miss Universe Nigeria, has spoken out for the first time regarding allegations of identity theft brought against her by the South African government.
The allegations emerged during her brief participation in the Miss South Africa pageant, drawing widespread attention and criticism.
South Africa’s Department of Home Affairs (DHA) revealed preliminary evidence suggesting that Chidimma’s mother may have committed fraud and identity theft.
Chidimma, who was born in Soweto at the Chris Hani Baragwanath Hospital in 2001, has a father of Igbo descent from Nigeria and a mother who hails from Mozambique but is now a naturalized South African citizen.
Amid the controversy, Chidimma exited the Miss South Africa pageant and accepted an invitation to compete in the Miss Universe Nigeria contest, which she eventually won.
In her first public statement on the matter during an interview with Arise News on Friday, the 23-year-old firmly denied the identity theft accusations.
“I did not steal anyone’s identity,” Chidimma stated.
“I’m just waiting for the conclusion of the case and the whole matter. Then moving forward, I will know exactly what to say because I feel right now if I say something and another thing comes out tomorrow, it could lead to contradictions.”
Chidimma also clarified her decision to remain silent on the matter, citing its legal nature. “I really avoided the questions because it is a legal matter and I don’t have all the facts around it. But what I can say is that I was not running away from anything. I was just pursuing my dream.”
She concluded by reiterating her innocence. “What I can speak on is that I know I did not steal anyone’s identity.”
‘I Did Not Steal Anyone’s Identity’ – Chidimma Adetshina
I am waiting for the case to conclude, and moving forward, I will know exactly what to say.
Miss Universe Nigeria, Chidimma Adetshina pic.twitter.com/Z0VzqKcVtb
— ARISE NEWS (@ARISEtv) September 7, 2024
