We were stripped, filmed, treated like criminals — Nigerian DJ accuses Philippine immigration of racism, inhumane treatment + Video

Nigerian disc jockey, Rachel Oluwabukola Martins, popularly known as DJ Dimple Nipple, has shared a disturbing account of how she and her best friend were racially profiled, harassed, and inhumanely treated by immigration officers at Manila’s Ninoy Aquino International Airport, Philippines

Martins, in a statement, titled: “My Manila Immigration Nightmare,” shared via Instagram on Monday, said she and her best friend were stripped, filmed and forced to sleep on the floor of a detention-like facility despite possessing valid visas, return tickets and support from the Nigerian Embassy.

Recounting her ordeal in a detailed personal statement titled “My Manila Immigration Nightmare,” Martins narrated how her excitement to perform in the Philippines quickly turned into one of the most traumatic experiences of her life.

“I was so excited about my gig in the Philippines. I had prepared thoroughly, spent a lot of money, made all the necessary arrangements, and was genuinely looking forward to the experience,” she wrote.

According to Martins, she and her best friend departed Lagos on a connecting flight through Qatar and landed in Manila at approximately 4 p.m. But immediately upon arrival at immigration, things took a dark turn.

She said, “I traveled with my best friend. Our flight departed Lagos at 3PM on Friday and arrived in Qatar at 12:20AM. That leg took 7 hours and 20 minutes.

“After a long walk through the airport, we connected to our flight to Manila, scheduled for 1:30AM.

“Due to bad weather, it was delayed by about an hour. We finally departed and spent 9 hours and 30 minutes in the air.

“We landed in Manila around 4PM. But everything changed the moment we got to immigration.

“We greeted the officers politely, but they were cold and unwelcoming. Still, we remained respectful and handed over our passports.”

Martins said despite presenting all requested documents, including sponsorship details and proof of funds, she and her companion were detained, interrogated for hours and subjected to multiple invasive searches.

She explained, “They asked for our visas, which we presented, and then requested every supporting document, which we also provided.

“When asked if it was our first time in the Philippines, we said yes. They asked if we had cash. I told them I had 500 dollars on me and my cards as backup.

“I explained we were being sponsored by CCMNL, the organizers of the event, and answered all their questions honestly.

“They took our photos, and we assumed we were about to be let through. Instead, one of the officers asked us to follow him to the immigration supervisor’s office.

“We were left there for three hours without a word. At one point, I was extremely pressed and asked to use the restroom.

“A male officer followed me like a criminal. I felt deeply uncomfortable. I am not a criminal, yet I was being treated like one.

“When I returned, my best friend was being interrogated. After about 20 minutes, it was my turn.

“They asked what I do for a living, and I told them I am a DJ. They questioned who invited us and soon shifted focus to the organisers.

“They began asking personal questions like how the sponsor met her husband, who is sponsor met her husband, who is Nigerian, and referenced records that showed she hadn’t left the Philippines since 2019.

“I explained that she was already at the airport waiting for us and offered to call her so they could speak with her directly. She was willing to come forward, but they refused to speak to her or allow any contact.

“We were held from 4PM to 8PM. Then they took our baggage tags and told us to follow them to customs.”

Martins alleged that more than 30 officers were involved in the search, with many filming them as their luggage, underwear and personal items were thoroughly examined.

Sniffer dogs were also brought in twice.

“At least 30 officers surrounded us, some holding cameras. We were terrified. They scanned our bags while speaking in their local language and continued to film us.

“Then they brought in a large dog to sniff our luggage and our bodies. More officers gathered.

“They made us open our suitcases and went through everything, including our underwear, skincare, hair products, and even empty containers,” Martins stated.

“They found nothing. They repeated the same process with my best friend and again, found nothing.

“Some officers stopped recording, but others continued. There was also a mounted camera pointed at us the entire time.

“We tried to record for our own protection, but they told us it was not allowed. Still, we found a discreet way to capture parts of it.

“Afterward, they had the dog sniff our handbags, then searched them by hand. Still, they found nothing.

“Then they brought the dog up to our bodies again. Once that yielded nothing, they told us to carry our bags and return to immigration.”

After nearly five hours, Martins said they were told they would not be allowed entry into the country. No official reason was given.

“By then, we were physically and emotionally drained. My knees hurt so badly I could barely stand.

“My best friend approached an officer to ask what was going on. They told her a final decision had been made. We would not be allowed into the country.