Nigerian businessman Francis Van-Lare has dismissed accusations that his daughter, Suzette Chibuogu, played any role in the tragic death of her ex-husband, Dr. Ikenna Erinne. Dr. Erinne, a Nigerian cardiologist living in the U.S., reportedly ended his own life.
The 36-year-old doctor from Anambra State was said to have committed suicide on Sunday, January 26. However, different accounts have surfaced about what happened before his death.
According to Van-Lare, Dr. Erinne visited Suzette’s home on the day of the incident and held her, their children, and the nanny at gunpoint for three hours. He explained that the situation took a dramatic turn when the nanny managed to escape and call the police.
Van-Lare claimed that when the police arrived, Erinne, instead of facing serious legal charges, chose to take his own life. He stated that the doctor would have been charged with “three counts of kidnapping with a deadly weapon,” each carrying a potential prison sentence of 25 years to life.
On his Facebook page, Van-Lare wrote:
“There was an ongoing custody battle involving my daughter. I only found out early Monday morning at around 3 a.m. Nigerian time that the deceased had held her and the children at gunpoint for three hours after losing the case. The nanny was able to escape and call the police. When officers arrived, he shot himself. I believe he chose to end his life rather than face the possibility of spending the rest of his life in prison.
“While I feel sorry for his family over this tragic event, my daughter did not cause his death. I thank God the situation did not escalate further, leading him to harm my daughter, my grandchildren, or even himself. May his soul rest in peace. This is a painful and traumatic situation for everyone involved, including me. No one wins in such a tragedy.”
