A 33-year-old American woman who traveled to Pakistan to marry her teenage online boyfriend is now refusing to leave the country, even after he ghosted her. Authorities are now considering deportation as concerns grow over her mental health.
Online Romance Ends in Devastation
Onijah Andrew Robinson, a U.S. national, arrived in Karachi in October 2024 to meet her 19-year-old online boyfriend, Nidal Ahmed Memon. Expecting marriage, she instead found herself abandoned.
Memon, who had reportedly been in contact with Robinson for months, failed to greet her upon arrival and later cut all ties, leaving her stranded in an unfamiliar country.
Determined to reunite with him, Robinson camped outside his Karachi apartment for nearly 30 hours, despite pleas from local officials and social workers urging her to return to the United States. When her efforts failed, she was moved to a charity shelter and later admitted to Jinnah Postgraduate Medical Centre’s psychiatric ward for evaluation.
With her visa now expired, Pakistani authorities are seeking guidance on her deportation, citing potential risks to her safety and the urgent need for medical intervention.
Family Reveals Her Struggles with Mental Health
As Robinson’s story gained international attention, her son in the United States spoke out, confirming her history of mental illness.
According to reports from Dialogue Pakistan, her family had already offered to purchase a return ticket, but Robinson refused to board a flight home. Instead, she made bizarre public statements, including a demand for $100,000 to “rebuild Karachi”, fueling speculation about her mental state.
Despite efforts by Sindh Governor Kamran Tessori, who arranged for her visa extension and a government-sponsored flight home, Robinson remains adamant about staying in Pakistan.
Authorities Consider Deportation as She Receives Another Proposal
As the drama unfolds, law enforcement officials are increasingly concerned about her well-being. Without a stable home or support network, Robinson remains vulnerable, and authorities fear she could be exploited.
Meanwhile, the teenage Memon remains untraceable, with reports suggesting his family strongly opposed the relationship. Efforts by local philanthropists to convince him to meet Robinson and resolve the situation have been unsuccessful.
Adding a bizarre twist to the saga, a man from Thatta has now proposed marriage to Robinson, offering to either stay in Pakistan or relocate to the U.S. with her. However, she has not responded to the proposal, maintaining her focus on reuniting with Memon.
A Cautionary Tale of Online Love and Mental Health
Robinson’s situation has evolved from a romantic pursuit into a case study on the risks of online relationships and mental health struggles.
Authorities warn that without adequate medical care, she may be at risk of further distress or manipulation. Officials have urged federal agencies to expedite her deportation, asserting that she requires proper psychiatric support in the U.S.
For now, Robinson refuses to leave, making her the center of an international legal and humanitarian crisis.
Jaja has a degree in journalism and took classes in international law and business communication. Her career spans roles at prominent international media outlets, including International Business Times, Celebeat and Delightful Philippines. As a news editor, Jaja covered a wide range of beats, including legal, business, economy, cryptocurrency, personal finance, gaming, technology, and entertainment.