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Late US-based Nigerian cardiologist, Dr Ikenna Erinne
Francis Van-Lare, the father-in-law to United States-based Nigerian cardiologist, Dr Ikenna Erinne, has refuted claims that the late doctor took his own life due to financial strain from a $15,000 monthly child support ruling.
He made this disclosure on Monday as a clarification to the viral claim.
According to him, it was just $1,900 which the late doctor paid partially sometimes.
Van-Lare also dispelled the claim that Erinne was a peaceful and quiet guy while sharing screenshots of restraining orders from state of Maryland Court circuit.
The father of Erinne’s estranged partner wrote, “Liars everywhere. He killed himself to avoid paying $1,900.00 monthly which he pays partially sometimes. He was not asked to pay $15,000 a month as alleged. Dead beat dad!
“Go to the state of Maryland Court circuit and check numerous restraining orders. Quiet and peaceful guy my foot. Any more rubbish talk about my family, I will share more revelations.
“I am a bull dozer and will bull doze any lying blogger. Nobody should blame my daughter for the embarrassment he caused everyone.”
Recall that the tragic death of the 36-year-old cardiologist has sparked intense debate and widespread reactions from Nigerians both at home and abroad.
Francis Van-Lare has alleged that before his suicide, the deceased doctor held his daughter and grandchildren hostage at gunpoint for three hours.
He ultimately turned the weapon on himself when police arrived.
Van-Lare, a socialite and public figure, made the claim on his official Facebook account on Sunday.
This was in response to an earlier post by Facebook user Amanda Chisom, who clarified that Erinne’s ex-partner was not a white woman, as widely speculated, but Van-Lare’s daughter.
He further said, “While my daughter was involved in a custody battle, I only became aware around 3am Nigerian time last Monday that the deceased held her and her children at gunpoint for three hours after losing the case.
“The nanny managed to escape and called the police, and upon their arrival, he shot himself.”
He also revealed that Erinne was facing three counts of kidnapping with a deadly weapon, each carrying a sentence of 25 years to life in prison.
“I guess he decided to kill himself instead of facing the charges,” he added.
Despite the shocking nature of the incident, Van-Lare expressed sympathy for the late doctor’s family, clarifying that his daughter was not responsible for his decision to take his own life.
“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,” the father-in-law stated.
