… Father-in-law alleges deceased held family hostage before killing self
A 36-year-old Nigerian cardiologist based in the United States, Ikenna Erinne, has reportedly taken his own life following a child support ruling against him in a case involving his yet-to-be-identified ex-wife.
The tragic incident occurred on Sunday, January 26.
Erinne, originally from Anambra State, was embroiled in a lengthy divorce battle with his estranged wife, which included contentious custody disputes over their children.
He ultimately lost the case when a US court ruled in favour of his ex-wife, ordering him to pay a monthly child support sum of $15,000.
Clayton Udo, a Nigerian-American, confirmed the incident in a post on X.com, stating that the court’s decision had a devastating financial impact on Erinne, culminating in his tragic death.
Udo expressed, “The systemic abuse of African men in the USA must come to an end. In a deeply troubling case, Dr. Ikenna Erinne, an American-trained cardiologist, allegedly took his own life after a court mandated him to pay his ex-wife $15,000 monthly following a prolonged and contentious divorce. This tragedy underscores the systemic issues within the legal system that disproportionately impact African men.”
Udo, who describes himself as an expert in psychological and emotional abuse, revealed that the deceased had incurred significant legal expenses prior to the court’s unfavourable verdict.
He further noted that Erinne lost his medical licence due to the ongoing case, adding that he died by suicide after shooting himself.
“He shot himself. He had spent thousands of dollars in legal fees—money that was essentially wasted. This process impoverishes you; you go to court and they strip you of your financial stability.
“He lost his licence as a cardiologist in this ordeal, and to compound his distress, he was ordered to pay $15,000 a month, while also facing restricted access to his children,” he explained.
Another member of the Nigerian community in the United States, Obim Onujiogu, confirmed Erinne’s death in a Facebook post, describing him as a compassionate healer and devoted family man.
Onujiogu announced that Erinne’s funeral would take place on Monday in Maryland.
He wrote, “In Loving Memory of Dr. Ikenna C. Erinne. It is with heavy hearts that the ASA DC family announces the sudden and untimely passing of Dr. Ikenna Erinne. Dr. Ikenna C. Erinne was a cherished father, son, brother, and esteemed cardiologist, who passed away on January 26, 2025.
“Born on March 4, 1988, Dr. Erinne was a compassionate healer and devoted family man. He is survived by his children Ugonna and Munachi, his parents Engr. Chris and Mrs. Chinwe Erinne, and his siblings Chuks, Onyi, Kenny, and Gechi.
“A celebration of life will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025, at the Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home in Elkridge, MD, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM, followed by interment at Meadowridge Memorial Park.”
In a contrasting account, Francis Van-Lare, the father of Ikenna’s partner, asserted that Erinne’s suicide was not solely due to the imposed child support payments, but rather a tragic outcome following a police intervention related to an alleged hostage situation.
In a Facebook post, Van-Lare clarifies that his daughter bears no responsibility for Erinne’s death.
He stated, “While there was a custody battle involving my daughter, I only learned early last Monday that the deceased held her and their children at gunpoint for three hours after the custody ruling. The nanny managed to escape and called the police, who arrived to find him having shot himself. I believe he chose to end his life rather than face three counts of kidnapping with a deadly weapon, each carrying a potential sentence of 25 years to life.
“While I sympathise with his family for his death, my daughter is not to blame for his actions. I am grateful that the situation did not escalate to him harming my daughter or grandchildren. We are all victims in this tragedy. There are no winners here.”
In another post, Van-Lare explained that the significant child support payment was due to Erinne and his partner having a child with special needs.
He noted, “The child support amount was set so high because he has a physically challenged son requiring specialised care from various medical facilities and a special needs school, which incurs substantial costs. The court takes both parents’ incomes into account when making these decisions. He is not a victim but a father who ultimately failed his children, who are now without their dad. I thank God that he did not harm my daughter and grandchildren in the process of his despair.”
Van-Lare confirmed that his family would take responsibility for raising Erinne’s children.
“Which sane person takes his own life over money he is supposed to use to support his children? He was asked to pay child support not alimony or spousal support as my daughter is self-sufficient. May his soul rest in peace regardless. My family will raise the children without him regardless.”
