Francis Van-Lare, father-in-law to late US-based Nigerian cardiologist Dr. Ikenna Erinne, has refuted claims that the doctor took his own life due to a $15,000 monthly child support obligation.
In a statement on Monday, Van-Lare clarified that Erinne was only required to pay $1,900 in child support, an amount he allegedly only paid partially at times.
“Liars everywhere. He killed himself to avoid paying $1,900.00 monthly, which he paid partially sometimes. He was not asked to pay $15,000 a month as alleged. Deadbeat dad!” Van-Lare wrote.
He also dismissed portrayals of Erinne as a “peaceful and quiet guy,” sharing screenshots of restraining orders issued against the late doctor by a Maryland court.
Hostage Situation Before Suicide
Van-Lare further alleged that before taking his own life, Erinne held his daughter and grandchildren hostage at gunpoint for three hours. He claimed the ordeal ended only when the nanny escaped and alerted the police, prompting Erinne to turn the gun on himself.
“While my daughter was involved in a custody battle, I only became aware around 3 a.m. Nigerian time last Monday that the deceased held her and her children at gunpoint for three hours after losing the case,” he said.
He added, “The nanny managed to escape and called the police, and upon their arrival, he shot himself.”
Legal Troubles and Possible Motive
Van-Lare revealed that Erinne was facing three counts of kidnapping with a deadly weapon, each carrying a potential sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
“I guess he decided to kill himself instead of facing the charges,” he remarked.
Despite his strong stance on the situation, Van-Lare expressed sympathy for the doctor’s family while maintaining that his daughter was not responsible for his actions.
“While I sympathise with his family, my daughter is not to blame for his death. And I thank God it did not escalate to where he shot my daughter, grandchildren, and himself,” he stated.
The tragic death of the 36-year-old cardiologist has sparked intense debate and widespread reactions among Nigerians at home and abroad.
