Nigerian DJ Accuses Philippine Immigration of Racism, Harsh Detention Despite Valid Visas and Sponsorship.

A Nigerian DJ has accused Philippine immigration officers of racism and mistreatment during her recent attempt to enter the country. She described being followed like a criminal by a male officer, feeling deeply uncomfortable despite having all required documents and sponsorship.

Upon arrival, her friend was interrogated first, and when it was her turn, officials questioned her profession and the event organizers, probing personal details about her sponsor, who is Nigerian and had not left the Philippines since 2019. Despite offering to have the sponsor contacted, immigration officials refused.

The two were detained for four hours before being taken to customs, where over 30 officers searched their luggage and personal belongings, including underwear and skincare products, while filming them extensively.

Sniffer dogs were brought in twice to search both their bags and bodies. The officers spoke in their local language and continued recording, even though the DJ and her friend tried discreetly to film parts of the ordeal themselves.

After nearly five hours, without any official explanation, they were informed they would not be allowed entry and were forced to rebook return flights. Despite intervention attempts by the Nigerian Embassy in Manila and CCMNL (a Nigerian community group), Philippine immigration maintained their decision.

The DJ and her friend were then taken to a holding area resembling a detention center, where they encountered other Africans, including Nigerians, some detained for extended periods under harsh conditions with cameras everywhere, even in restrooms.

They were denied blankets and basic comforts, forced to sleep on plastic bags and cartons in the cold. The DJ described the experience as humiliating, degrading, and racially motivated, emphasizing that despite having proper documentation and embassy support, they were treated like criminals and locked in a detention-like facility with no explanation.

She called on both Nigerian and Philippine authorities to address the mistreatment of Nigerian citizens abroad, highlighting the emotional and physical toll it took. She questioned why visas are granted to Nigerians only for them to be denied entry and detained upon arrival, demanding transparency and justice. She condemned the process as humiliating and called for an end to such discriminatory treatment.

As of now, Philippine officials have not responded to these serious allegations.