Politics
Suzzette Chibuogu, the ex-wife of deceased US-based Nigerian cardiologist Ikenna Erinne, is refuting allegations that she contributed to his death.
Following Erinne’s death, Clayton Udoh, a Nigerian-American, claimed in a Facebook video that the cardiologist committed suicide after losing a child support case where he was ordered to pay $15,000 monthly.
Udoh also stated that Erinne faced restricted visitation rights and lost his license during the legal battle with Chibuogu.
These claims ignited mixed reactions online, with many demanding the exposure of Erinne’s ex-wife.
Expectedly, additional details have emerged regarding the circumstances surrounding the death of Erinne, 36, who died by suicide on Sunday, January 26, from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
It is reported that Erinne was engaged in a contentious court battle with his ex-wife, Suzette Chibuogu Van-Lare, over the custody of their two children.
Francis Van-Lare, Erinne’s former father-in-law, has come forward to dispute what he calls “misinformation” surrounding the case. Van-Lare alleges that Erinne held his ex-wife and their children at gunpoint for approximately three hours after losing the custody battle, which led to police involvement.
Van-Lare claimed on Facebook that Erinne held his daughter and grandchildren hostage at gunpoint for three hours before fatally shooting himself upon police arrival. He also revealed that Erinne was potentially facing three counts of kidnapping with a deadly weapon, each carrying a sentence of 25 years to life.
However, conflicting information indicates that the child support was $1,900 monthly, not $15,000, as earlier stated peddled earlier.
Obim Onujiogu, a member of the Nigerian community in the US, also posted on Facebook that Erinne’s funeral would be held on Monday in Maryland and described Erinne as a compassionate healer and devoted family man
But in an Instagram post on Tuesday, February 4, 2025, Chibuogu corroborated her father’s claims, describing the incident as a “near-death experience” where she had to “beg to live for three hours”.
She revealed that she had been the primary caregiver and financial provider for her children, including her disabled child, while Erinne lived in another state.
Chibuogu claimed that she and her children have faced threats since the incident and warned that she has evidence to take legal action if the harassment persists.
She urged people to move forward with love, reminding them that she and her children are real people trying to rebuild their lives after years of hardship.
“There are a lot of lies swirling around the internet right now and it’s impossible to address them all. For years I have stayed silent as I’ve gone through a journey of character development, resilience and obedience to God,” she wrote.
“My children and I had a near-death experience on January 26 and we are now on a journey of healing. Those who know me know that I have always taken care of my kids 100% of the time since their respective births.
“Those that know our situation know that their Dad hasn’t even lived in the same state as us for the majority of their lives. They know that my son is permanently disabled and has been in therapy 40 hours a week since he was 1 year old.
“They know that I have always been the primary financial provider for my kids. Always. My children and I will overcome. The worst night of our lives when we begged to live for three hours has been flipped around to make us look like villains.
“I have received dozens of text messages and calls threatening my life and my childrens’ lives. This has to stop. I have videos. I have pictures. I have police documentation of multiple incidents. I don’t want to take it there. This has to stop.
“Nobody knows someone like their partner. I respect the experiences and memories you had of him and I do not seek to tarnish them. I know the truth. People that know me know the truth. What you think of me is not my business.
“Nigerians love gossip but don’t forget my children and I are real people trying to safely move on with our lives.
“We are already living through the result of years of anger and ignorance. Let’s move forward with love.”
Photo Caption: The late Ikenna Erinne and Suzzette Chibuogu
Culled from News Mart
6th February, 2025.
C.E.
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