US-Based Nigerian Doctor Dies by Suicide After Court Orders $15,000 Monthly Child Support

A 36-year-old Nigerian cardiologist based in the United States, Dr. Ikenna Erinne, has reportedly taken his own life after a US court ordered him to pay $15,000 per month in child support following a prolonged legal battle with his ex-wife.

The tragic incident occurred on Sunday, January 26, after the court’s ruling, which reportedly placed a severe financial burden on Erinne. Sources close to the situation revealed that the Anambra-born doctor had been engaged in a bitter divorce and custody dispute before losing the case.

Confirming the incident on social media, a Nigerian-American commentator, Clayton Udo, described the court ruling as financially devastating, claiming that Erinne had already spent thousands of dollars in legal fees. According to Udo, the doctor’s struggles were compounded by the loss of his medical license, further worsening his financial and emotional distress. He alleged that Erinne ultimately died by suicide after shooting himself.

Another member of the Nigerian community in the US, Obim Onujiogu, also confirmed the death in a Facebook post, mourning Erinne as a compassionate healer and devoted father. Onujiogu announced that a funeral service would be held on Monday, February 3, at Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home in Elkridge, Maryland, followed by interment at Meadowridge Memorial Park.

Born on March 4, 1988, Erinne is survived by his children, Ugonna and Munachi, as well as his parents and siblings.