US-based Nigerian cardiologist, kills self after losing $15,000 monthly child support case to ex-wife

Eric Patrick 

A United States-based Nigerian cardiologist, Ikenna Erinne, has committed suicide after losing a child support case to his yet-to-be-identified ex-wife.

The incident which occurred on Sunday, January 26, revealed that the 36-year-old took his life at his residential apartment.

Thewatch Africa gathered that the Anambra-state-born late doctor had a prolonged divorce battle with his estranged wife, including the custody of their children.

 Erinne, however, lost the case after a US court ruled in favour of his ex-wife and ordered him to pay a monthly child support of $15,000.

This was disclosed in a post by Clayton Udo, and shared on his X. com account on Sunday.

Udo, in his post stated that the court’s verdict took a severe financial toll on him, leading to his tragic death.

Udo, who said 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.

According to him, the late doctor lost his license as a cardiologist to the case, adding that he died after shooting himself.

Udo's post read, “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.

“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.

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.”