Suzzette Chibuogu refutes allegations that she caused Ikenna Erinne’s death, calling it a “near-death experience” and urging the public to stop the harassment
Suzzette Chibuogu, the ex-wife of the late US-based Nigerian cardiologist Ikenna Erinne, has strongly refuted allegations that she contributed to his tragic death.
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Erinne, 36, passed away on Sunday, January 26, from a self-inflicted gunshot wound.
His death, which was initially linked to a difficult child support case, has sparked controversy, with some individuals accusing Chibuogu of playing a role in the events leading to his demise.
The accusations were brought to light by Clayton Udoh, a Nigerian-American, who posted a video on Facebook claiming that Erinne took his life after losing a court battle over child support.
Udoh suggested that Erinne had been ordered to pay $15,000 per month in child support, was granted limited visitation rights, and had lost his medical licence during the proceedings.
These allegations triggered widespread online reactions, with many demanding accountability from Chibuogu.
However, as new details emerged, the narrative began to shift. It was revealed that the child support figure was not $15,000, as originally stated, but $1,900 per month.
In the wake of Erinne’s death, his former father-in-law, Francis Van-Lare, took to Facebook to clarify the situation, challenging the misinformation surrounding the case.
Van-Lare alleged that, following the failed custody battle, Erinne had held his ex-wife and their two children at gunpoint for approximately three hours before fatally shooting himself as police arrived.
According to Van-Lare, Erinne could have been facing charges of kidnapping with a deadly weapon, each carrying a potential sentence of 25 years to life.
In response to these claims, Chibuogu shared her own account on Instagram on February 4, 2025, describing the horrifying ordeal as a “near-death experience” where she had to “beg to live for three hours.”
She explained that she had been the primary caregiver and financial provider for their children, including a disabled son, while Erinne lived in another state.
Chibuogu stressed that she and her children had been subjected to threats since the incident, warning that she had evidence to take legal action if the harassment continued.
“I have received dozens of text messages and calls threatening my life and my children’s lives. This has to stop. I have videos. I have pictures.
I have police documentation of multiple incidents,” Chibuogu wrote.
She added that, despite the online attacks, she and her children are focused on healing and moving forward with their lives.
Chibuogu also appealed to the public to cease spreading misinformation. “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 stated.
“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.”
She went on to emphasise that she had always been the sole financial provider for their children and that her son, who has been in therapy for many years, had required her full attention and care.
“We are already living through the result of years of anger and ignorance. Let’s move forward with love,” Chibuogu concluded.
