WASHINGTON, USA — The tragic death of Ikenna Erinne, a 36-year-old US-based Nigerian cardiologist, has sparked intense debate following allegations that he held his estranged partner and children at gunpoint for three hours before taking his own life.
The shocking claims were made by Francis Van-Lare, the father of Erinne’s former partner, who detailed the incident in a social media post on Sunday, February 2, 2025.
Hostage Situation Before Suicide
Van-Lare revealed that Erinne, who had been embroiled in a custody battle, lost a court ruling before the incident.
“While my daughter was involved in a custody battle, I only became aware around 3 a.m. Nigerian time last Monday that the deceased held her and her children at gunpoint for three hours after losing the case,” Van-Lare wrote.
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According to him, a nanny managed to escape and called the police, prompting Erinne to turn the weapon on himself upon their arrival.
Authorities later charged Erinne posthumously with three counts of kidnapping with a deadly weapon, each carrying a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
“I guess he decided to kill himself instead of facing the charges,” Van-Lare added.
Speculation Over Financial Struggles and Custody Battle
Initial reports suggested that Erinne took his own life due to financial strain, particularly following a court ruling that allegedly required him to pay $15,000 in monthly child support.
However, Van-Lare refuted that claim, stating that the actual amount was significantly lower.
Van-Lare expressed sympathy for Erinne’s family but insisted that his daughter was not to blame for his death.
“While I sympathize 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,” he said.
Misinformation on Erinne’s Relationship and Ex-Partner’s Identity
The incident also fueled widespread misinformation, with many falsely claiming that Erinne’s ex-partner was a white woman who used the legal system against him.
Amanda Chisom, a social media commentator, clarified that Erinne’s former partner was an Igbo woman—Van-Lare’s daughter.
“Ikenna did not marry a white woman. He had children with an Igbo woman, Francis Van-Lare’s daughter. However, they were never married. He called off the wedding, largely due to family concerns,” she wrote.
Chisom described Erinne as a quiet and reserved man, suggesting that his introverted nature may have contributed to his struggles in handling pressure.
“Ikenna was always too quiet for his own good. If you pushed him, he would simply walk away. He was unassuming and a true gift to his generation,” she said.
Broader Conversations on Marriage, Mental Health, and Family Courts
The tragedy has ignited heated discussions on marriage, mental health, and the pressures of family court rulings on fathers, particularly among Nigerian men living abroad.
Chisom used the incident to stress the importance of thorough background checks before marriage, arguing that family upbringing plays a critical role in shaping one’s ability to sustain relationships.
“This tragedy serves as a harsh reminder of why it is essential to ask questions and do thorough background checks before marriage,” she stated.
Her remarks sparked mixed reactions, with some agreeing while others criticized her for shifting blame rather than addressing the systemic challenges men face in custody battles.
No Winners, Only Loss
The case has divided public opinion, with some pointing to mental health struggles faced by men in divorce proceedings, while others focus on the complexities of family law and the financial burden placed on fathers.
Despite the debates, Van-Lare’s words summed up the shared sense of loss across both families.
“May his soul rest in peace. Everyone is a loser here. It is traumatizing for all, including me. No winners here,” he said.
