Suzzette Chibuogu Van-Lare, the former wife of late US-based Nigerian cardiologist Ikenna Erinne, has refuted claims that she played a role in his death.

KanyiDaily recalls that a Nigerian-American man, Clayton Udoh alleged in a viral Facebook video that Erinne took his own life after losing a child support case and being ordered to pay $15,000 per month.
Udoh also claimed that Ikenga Erinne had his visitation rights restricted and lost his medical license amid legal battles with his ex-wife.
These allegations sparked heated reactions online, with many social media users demanding to know the identity of Erinne’s former wife.
However, Chibuogu’s father, Francis Van-Lare, dismissed the claims, stating that Erinne died to escape the consequences of a ‘kidnap incident’ where he allegedly held his ex-wife and children at gunpoint for three hours.
On Tuesday, Suzzette Chibuogu backed up her father’s account in an Instagram post, calling the ordeal a “near-death experience” where she was forced to plead for her life.
She explained that she had been the primary caregiver and financial provider for her children, including a disabled child, while Erinne lived in a different state.
Chibuogu also accused her late husband of domestic violence, emphasizing that while she respects people’s memories of Erinne, she knows the truth and will not engage in public debates.
She further revealed that she and her children have received multiple threats since the incident, warning that she has evidence to take legal action if the harassment continues.
Chibuogu, who is a doctor of medical science, wrote: “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. 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 children’s 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. #domesticviolence.”
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KanyiDaily also reported how a 28-year-old man, Sani Mohammed, was sentenced to 30 months in prison for threatening a salesgirl in Abuja.


