Onijah praises Pakistani policewoman for her kindness in BBC interview

US woman Onijah Andrew Robinson, who became a social media personality after getting stuck in Pakistan in search of her online lover, recently shared her deep appreciation for Pakistani policewoman Shabana Jillani, who helped her during a difficult period of her journey.

Onijah, 33, arrived in Karachi on October 11 with hopes of marrying 19-year-old Nidal Memon, whom she had met online. However, her plans unraveled when Memon’s family rejected the marriage, and he disappeared.

Despite multiple efforts to repatriate her, Onijah persistently refused to leave and repeatedly visited her alleged boyfriend’s residence, hoping to find him. Her bizarre ordeal soon turned into a viral sensation, with local media and social platforms closely tracking her actions.

In a recent interview with BBC Radio, Onijah discussed her experience in Pakistan, particularly her time under the care of Shabana, a senior female police officer who was assigned to oversee her while she received treatment in the Karachi's Jinnah Post Graduate Hospital.

Check: US woman who searched for online lover in Karachi held in Dubai

During a time of emotional distress, Shabana's compassionate care played a crucial role in persuading Onijah to return home to New York, despite her strong desire to stay in Pakistan and reunite with her lover.

Onijah had previously resisted returning to the US, unwilling to leave without fulfilling her dream of finding her online partner.

When asked what message she would give Shabana if she watched the interview, Onijah simply said, “I love you, Shabana.”

Onijah described Shabana as a "funny" person and shared how their personalities clicked. “She’s always on her phone, we have similar personalities,” Onijah said, adding, “In the morning, we were always fidgety, but we’d always make it on time to wherever we were going.

“Shabana was the type of officer who gave me love and compassion, and it was beautiful,” Onijah remarked, emphasising the kindness she received during her time in Pakistan.

Reflecting on her experience in Paksitan, Onijah said, “I was a great experience," adding that she was grateful for the care she received during her tumultuous journey.

"Shabana is really a great person,” Onijah said.

Read: US woman who traveled to Pakistan for love spotted in New York

Onijah also mentioned the possibility of reuniting with Shabana in New York in the future.

In a heartwarming gesture, Shabana Jillani expressed her affection for Onijah in the comments section of the interview’s video on Instagram. “I am so happy to see you, my dear Onijah. You’re so innocent. I miss you,” she wrote.

In response, Onijah replied, “Shabana, I MISS YOU. We will be getting together here in the future, I hope you know that.”

Onijah also acknowledged that there were many other people, including a team of officers, who helped her throughout her journey, expressing gratitude for their support.