Nigerian disc jockey Rachel Oluwabukola Martins, popularly known as DJ Dimple Nipple, has accused immigration officials in the Philippines of racism, harassment, and inhumane treatment during a recent visit to Manila.
In a detailed account shared on Instagram, Martins described her experience as “traumatic and degrading,” alleging that she and her best friend were stripped, filmed, and detained for hours despite holding valid visas and return tickets, along with support from the Nigerian Embassy.
Martins said the ordeal began upon arrival at the Manila airport, where immigration officers reportedly acted coldly and interrogated them despite providing all requested documentation.
“They asked for our documents, which we presented. After checking everything, we were told to follow them. Hours passed, and we were not told what was going on,” she said.
According to her, they were eventually led through a highly invasive search procedure, with at least 30 officers surrounding them while their luggage and personal belongings were thoroughly examined and filmed.
“They brought in sniffer dogs, went through all our bags, including underwear and skincare products. We were filmed throughout, even after nothing incriminating was found,” Martins alleged.
She claimed that after nearly five hours of questioning and searches, they were denied entry into the country without any official explanation.
Despite intervention by the Nigerian Embassy and event organisers CCMNL, Martins said the decision was upheld and they were moved to a detention-like facility described as cold and overcrowded.
“There were families, children, and others who had been held there for months. Some hadn’t seen sunlight in over a year. We slept on cartons and plastic bags. It was dehumanising,” she said.
She further alleged that immigration officials ignored appeals from the Nigerian Embassy, refused to communicate with the event sponsors, and denied basic needs like blankets or a proper sleeping area.
“The Nigerian Embassy did everything right. Still, immigration refused to let us in. We had sponsorship and return tickets. What else did they want?” she said.
In a separate post, Martins questioned why Nigerian nationals are granted visas only to face hostility on arrival. She also called on the Nigerian government to take action against the rising cases of mistreatment of its citizens abroad.
“If you don’t want Nigerians in your country, don’t issue us visas. Don’t collect our money and then detain, humiliate, and deport us without reason,” she wrote.
As of press time, Philippine authorities have not responded to the allegations.
