Onijah Andrew Robinson, a US citizen who recently left Pakistan after an unsuccessful attempt to reunite with her online lover, has been detained by UAE authorities.
Onijah, who departed Karachi on February 7, was scheduled to take a connecting flight to New York but chose to remain in Dubai instead. Her decision sparked online attention as multiple videos of her surfaced, showing her dressed in an abaya and headscarf while interacting with locals.
According to reports, Onijah is currently under protective custody in Dubai. Since she holds a valid visit visa and has not violated any laws, she has not been forcibly deported to the US.
Her family in New York had been expecting her return, but authorities in Dubai detained her after US officials raised concerns over her viral presence in the city. She is currently restricted from moving freely.
Airline officials confirmed that Onijah had refused to board her scheduled flight to New York, and they have opted not to force her onto the 15-hour journey, stating that she must travel voluntarily.
Onijah’s journey began in October 2024, when she flew to Karachi, Pakistan, in search of her online boyfriend, Nidal Ahmed Memon. However, Nidal abandoned her, leaving her stranded for months. Pakistani authorities attempted multiple times to facilitate her return to the US, but she repeatedly declined.
During her stay in Pakistan, Onijah underwent medical and psychological treatment at Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Center. Eventually, she agreed to fly to Dubai on flight EK603, intending to return to the US. However, upon arrival in Dubai, she chose to stay instead, leading to her current situation.
It remains unclear what steps US and UAE authorities will take next regarding her case.
