A 36-year-old United States-based Nigerian cardiologist, Ikenna Erinne, has reportedly committed suicide after losing a child support case to his with his estranged wife.
The incident occurred on Sunday, January 26, 2025. It was gathered that Dr. Erinne, originally from Anambra State, Nigeria, had been embroiled in a prolonged legal battle over custody and child support.
However, a U.S. court ruled in favor of his ex-wife, ordering him to pay $15,000 monthly in child support, a decision that allegedly caused severe financial strain and contributed to his tragic death.
The news was confirmed by Clayton Udo, a Nigerian-American, who shared the details on X.com. Udo criticized the U.S. legal system, claiming it disproportionately affects African men.
He wrote, “The 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 an American court ordered him to pay his ex-wife $15,000 monthly, following a prolonged and contentious divorce case. This tragic incident highlights the systemic issues within the legal system that disproportionately affect African men.”
Udo, who claimed to be an expert in psychological and mental abuse, revealed that the deceased had spent thousands of dollars in legal fees before the court’s verdict turned out in favour of his ex-wife.
He further explained that the late doctor lost his license as a cardiologist to the case, adding that he died after shooting himself.
“He shot himself to death. He spent thousands of dollars in legal fees – wasted money. I am talking about a process that impoverishes you. You go to court and they take all your money.
“He lost his license as a cardiologist in this case plus they slammed on him 15,000 dollars a month plus restricted access to his children,” he added.
Another member of the Nigerian community in the United States, Obim Onujiogu, also confirmed Erinne’s death in a post on Facebook.
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Onujiogu described him as a compassionate healer and devoted family man.
He, however, disclosed that his funeral would be held Monday in Maryland, the United States.
Onujiogu 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 beloved father, son, brother, and esteemed cardiologist, who departed 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, parents Engr. Chris and Mrs. Chinwe Erinne, and siblings Chuks, Onyi, Kenny, and Gechi.
“A celebration of Life will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home in Elkridge, MD, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM , followed by interment at Meadowridge Memorial Park.”
However, Francis Van-Lare, the father of Dr. Erinne’s estranged wife, disputed the claims that financial strain from the child support ruling was the cause of the suicide. He clarified that the court had ordered Dr. Erinne to pay $1,900 monthly, not $15,000, and that he sometimes paid only partially.
He wrote, “Liars everywhere. He killed himself to avoid paying $1,900.00 monthly which he pays partially sometimes. He was not asked to pay $15,000 a month as alleged. Dead beat dad!
Van-Lare also dispelled the claim that Erinne was a peaceful and quiet guy while sharing screenshots of restraining orders from state of Maryland Court circuit.
“Go to the state of Maryland Court circuit and check numerous restraining orders. Quiet and peaceful guy my foot. Any more rubbish talk about my family, I will share more revelations.
“I am a bull dozer and will bull doze any lying blogger. Nobody should blame my daughter for the embarrassment he caused everyone.”
Francis Van-Lare alleged that Dr. Erinne had a history of violent behavior, including holding his daughter and grandchildren at gunpoint for three hours before turning the weapon on himself when police arrived
He said “While my daughter was involved in a custody battle, I only became aware around 3am Nigerian time last Monday that the deceased held her and her children at gunpoint for three hours after losing the case.
“The nanny managed to escape and called the police, and upon their arrival, he shot himself.”
He also revealed that, Erinne was facing three counts of kidnapping with a deadly weapon, each carrying a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
“I guess he decided to kill himself instead of facing the charges,” he added.
Despite the shocking nature of the incident, Van-Lare sympathy for Dr. Erinne’s family but emphasized that his daughter was not to blame for his death. He thanked God that the situation did not escalate further, potentially endangering more lives.
“While I sympathise with his family, my daughter is not to blame for his death. And I thank God it did not escalate to where he shot my daughter, grandchildren, and himself,” the father-in-law stated.
