WASHINGTON (CHATNEWSTV) — A Nigerian cardiologist based in the United States, Dr. Ikenna Erinne, has died by suicide after a U.S. court ordered him to pay $15,000 in monthly child support following a prolonged custody battle with his ex-wife.
Erinne, 36, reportedly took his own life on Jan. 26 after losing the case, which also led to the revocation of his medical license. The court ruling, sources said, placed a significant financial burden on him, and he struggled with restricted access to his children.
“The abuse of African men in the USA must come to an end,” Nigerian-American activist Clayton Udo wrote on X, describing the legal process as one that “impoverishes” men. “He spent thousands of dollars in legal fees—wasted money. He lost his license as a cardiologist plus they slammed on him $15,000 a month.”
Another member of the Nigerian-American community, Obim Onujiogu, confirmed Erinne’s death in a Facebook post, describing him as a “compassionate healer and devoted family man.”
Erinne, a native of Anambra State, Nigeria, is survived by his children, Ugonna and Munachi, as well as his parents and siblings. His funeral is scheduled for Feb. 3 in Maryland.
