Nigerian Cardiologist Dr. Ikenna Erinne Dies by Suicide Amid Child Support Battle

Dr. Ikenna Erinne, a 36-year-old Nigerian cardiologist based in the United States, tragically took his own life on January 26, 2025, following a contentious child support case. His death has ignited discussions about the financial and emotional toll of divorce and custody battles.

Originally from Anambra State, Nigeria, Dr. Erinne had been engaged in a prolonged legal dispute over the custody of his children. A U.S. court ruled in favour of his ex-wife, ordering him to pay $15,000 in monthly child support. Many in the Nigerian community viewed the ruling as excessively burdensome, reportedly causing severe financial and emotional distress.

Nigerian-American commentator Clayton Udo confirmed the incident on social media, attributing Dr. Erinne’s struggles to African men’s systemic challenges in the U.S. legal system. Udo noted that the financial strain and the loss of Dr. Erinne’s medical license were key factors in his tragic decision.

The news has sparked mourning and renewed calls for reforms in child support policies, particularly regarding their impact on minority communities. Friends and colleagues remembered Dr. Erinne as a compassionate doctor and devoted father, survived by his children, Ugonna Erinne and Munachi Erinne, and his extended family in Nigeria and the U.S.

A memorial service will be held on February 3, 2025, at Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home in Elkridge, MD, where the community will gather to honour his memory and reflect on the broader implications of his case.