The sojourn of a young Nigerian to the United States has ended in tragedy as he has allegedly killed himself.
The US-trained cardiologist, Ikenna Erinne, whom a compatriot described as a gentle healer, was said to have shot himself after losing a prolonged divorce battle, during the process of which he lost his licence.
The last straw that broke the camel’s back was said to have been the court’s decision that he pay $15,000 monthly support.
‘US News Health’ had written thus about the victim: “Dr. Ikenna Erinne is a cardiologist in Towson, Maryland and is affiliated with multiple hospitals in the area, including Luminis Health Doctors Community Medical Center and Decatur Memorial Hospital. He received his medical degree from Morehouse School of Medicine and has been in practice between 11-20 years. Dr. Ikenna Erinne has expertise in treating heart failure, coronary artery disease, hypertension, among other conditions.”
As ‘Saturday Punch’ reports, the incident was said to have occurred on Sunday, January 26.
It was gathered that the 36-year-old Anambra-state-born late doctor had a prolonged divorce battle with his estranged wife, including the custody of their children.
He, however, lost the case after a US court ruled in favour of his ex-wife and ordered him to pay a monthly child support of $15,000.
Confirming the incident in a post shared on X.com, a Nigerian-American, Clayton Udo, said the court’s verdict took a severe financial toll on him, leading to his tragic death.
He wrote, “The abuse of African men in the USA must come to an end. In a deeply troubling case, Dr. Ikenna Erinne, an American-trained cardiologist, allegedly took his own life after an American court ordered him to pay his ex-wife $15,000 monthly, following a prolonged and contentious divorce case. This tragic incident highlights the systemic issues within the legal system that disproportionately affect African men.”
Udo, who claimed to be an expert in psychological and mental abuse, revealed that the deceased had spent thousands of dollars in legal fees before the court’s verdict turned out in favour of his ex-wife.
“He shot himself to death. He spent thousands of dollars in legal fees – wasted money. I am talking about a process that impoverishes you. You go to court and they take all your money.
“He lost his license as a cardiologist in this case plus they slammed on him 15,000 dollars a month plus restricted access to his children,” he added.
Another member of the Nigerian community in the United States, Obim Onujiogu, also confirmed Erinne’s death in a post on Facebook.
Onujiogu described him as a compassionate healer and devoted family man.
He, however, disclosed that his funeral would be held Monday in Maryland, the United States.
Onujiogu wrote, “In Loving Memory of Dr. Ikenna C. Erinne. It is with heavy hearts that the ASA DC family announces the sudden and untimely passing of Dr. Ikenna Erinne Dr. Ikenna C. Erinne, was a beloved father, son, brother, and esteemed cardiologist, who departed on January 26, 2025.
“A celebration of Life will be held on Monday, February 3, 2025, at Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home in Elkridge, MD, from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM , followed by interment at Meadowridge Memorial Park.”
