FATHER-IN-LAW REACTS OVER TRAGIC DEATH OF US-BASED CARDIOLOGIST
New details have surfaced regarding the circumstances surrounding the death of U.S.-based Nigerian cardiologist, Dr. Ikenna Erinne. The 36-year-old reportedly died by suicide on Sunday, January 26, after shooting himself with a pistol.
Erinne had been entangled in a prolonged legal battle with his ex-wife, Suzette Chibuogu Van-Lare, over custody of their two children. According to a Nigerian-American, Clayton Udo, who shared insights on X, a U.S. court ordered Erinne to pay $15,000 monthly in child support. Udo further claimed that Erinne had spent significant amounts on legal fees during the case, which he ultimately lost. Additionally, he alleged that the cardiologist lost his medical license amid his marital struggles.
“He lost his license as a cardiologist in this case, plus they slammed him with $15,000 a month in child support and restricted access to his children,” Udo stated.
However, Erinne’s former father-in-law, Francis Van-Lare, disputed these claims, calling them “misinformation.” In a Facebook post, Van-Lare alleged that after losing the custody battle, Erinne held his ex-wife and children at gunpoint for over three hours before the police were called.
“While there was a custody battle, I only learned last Monday morning at about 3 a.m. Nigerian time that the deceased held my daughter and grandchildren at gunpoint for three hours. The nanny managed to escape and called the police. When officers arrived, he shot himself,” Van-Lare claimed.
He suggested that Erinne may have taken his own life to avoid facing multiple charges of kidnapping with a deadly weapon, which could have led to a lengthy prison sentence.
Van-Lare also refuted claims that Erinne’s medical license had been revoked, stating, “He had active licenses in Illinois, New York, Virginia, and Maryland. One state cannot revoke all licenses at once, and none was revoked.”
On the child support ruling, he clarified that the amount was set due to the couple’s physically challenged son, who requires specialized medical care and schooling. “The courts consider both parents’ income before making such decisions,” he noted.
Van-Lare insisted that Erinne’s death was not the fault of his daughter and emphasized no one should take their own life over financial responsibilities.
Despite the conflicting narrative, the tragedy has left all parties deeply affected.
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