Suzzette Chibuogu, the ex-wife of 36-year-old US-based Nigerian cardiologist, Ikenna Erinne who reportedly committed suicide after losing a child support case has denied claims that she is responsible for his death.
TheNewsGuru reports that Erinne took his own life on Sunday, January 26, 2025 after losing custody of their children, during a prolonged divorce battle with his estranged wife, Suzzette.
According to Nigerian-American man identified as Clayton Udoh, the Anambra-born shot himself after a US court ruled in favour of his ex-wife and ordered him to pay a monthly child support of $15,000.
He also alleged that Erinne’s visitation rights were restricted and that he had lost his license amid the legal battle with Suzzette Chibuogu, his ex-wife.
The claims sparked a range of mixed emotions on social media, with many users calling for the identity of Erinne’s ex-wife to be exposed.
In reaction, Chibuogu’s father, Francis Van-Lare, countered reports, noting that the deceased held his daughter and her children at gunpoint, disclosing that the late doctor was asked to pay $1,900 per month as child support, not the $15,000 being peddled online.
Chibuogu, via her Instagram on Tuesday 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.
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.”