US-based Nigerian cardiologist, Dr Ikenna Erinne, commits suicide, father-in-law speaks out

Dr Ikenna Erinne, a US-based Nigerian cardiologist, tragically took his own life after losing a $15,000 child support case

[dropcap]D[/dropcap]r Ikenna Erinne, a 36-year-old US-based Nigerian cardiologist, has tragically taken his own life following a bitter child support ruling in favour of his ex-wife, Suzzette Chibuogu Van-Lare.

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The Anambra-born doctor, who had been embroiled in a prolonged divorce and custody battle, was reportedly devastated after a US court ordered him to pay $15,000 per month in child support.

The ruling allegedly led to severe financial and emotional distress, culminating in his tragic demise on 26 January 2025.

According to reports, Erinne held his ex-wife and children at gunpoint for three hours before turning the gun on himself.

The incident was confirmed by US-based Nigerian businessman and father-in-law to the deceased, Francis Van-Lare, who revealed that the police were alerted after the family’s nanny escaped and called for help.

In a social media post, Van-Lare, who was married to popular relationship coach, Amara Nwosu, said Erinne held his daughter and grandchildren at gunpoint for three hours before eventually killing himself.

He said, “While there was a custody battle my daughter (Suzzette Chibuogu Van-Lare) is involved in and I only became aware last Monday morning about 3 am Nigerian time that the deceased (Dr Ikenna Erinne) held her and her children at gun point for three hours after losing a custody battle, the nanny managed to escape and called the police and on arrival of the police he shot himself dead.

“I guess he decided to kiII himself instead of facing three counts of kidnapping with a deadly weapon 25 years to life each.

“While I sympathize with his family for his death, my daughter is not responsible for him taking his own life and I thank God it did not degenarate to where he shoots my daughter, grand children and himself.”

“May his soul rest in peace. Everyone is loser here and it is traumatizing for all including me. No winners here,” he added.

Erinne and Suzzette had their traditional wedding on May 22, 2020 in the US.

He noted that Erinne may have chosen to end his life rather than face multiple charges of kidnapping with a deadly weapon, which could have resulted in a life sentence.

Clayton Udo, a Nigerian-American familiar with the case, claimed Erinne had already spent thousands of dollars in legal fees before the final court ruling left him financially drained. Additionally, he reportedly lost his medical license as a result of the legal battle, further worsening his predicament.

Erinne’s passing has sparked widespread debate, particularly regarding the financial and psychological toll of divorce cases. His tragic story highlights the challenges many men face in the legal system, particularly in child custody and financial support rulings.

The late cardiologist was an alumnus of the Nigerian Navy Secondary School, Port Harcourt. His former classmates and colleagues have expressed deep sorrow over his passing, remembering him as a compassionate healer and a devoted father. His funeral service was held on 3 February 2025 at Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home, Maryland, followed by interment at Meadowridge Memorial Park.

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Dr Ikenna Erinne’s death has left both the Nigerian and medical communities in mourning. His story serves as a painful reminder of the need for better support systems for individuals facing legal, financial, and emotional turmoil.