Francis Van-Lare has continued to defend his daughter, Suzette Chibuogu Van-Lare, following the tragic death of her former partner, Dr. Ikenna Erinne, a Nigerian cardiologist based in the United States.

Dr. Erinne ended his life on January 26, 2024, sparking widespread speculation and misinformation online. Van-Lare has stepped forward to set the record straight, refuting claims that his daughter is to blame for the cardiologist’s death and clarifying details about the custody and child support case.

Online reports alleged that Dr. Erinne took his own life after losing a custody battle and being ordered to pay $15,000 monthly in child support, coupled with the revocation of his medical license. However, Van-Lare has vehemently denied these claims, stating that the late doctor was only required to pay $1,900 per month in child support, not $15,000. He shared bank statements to prove that Dr. Erinne often made partial payments and labeled him a “deadbeat dad.”

Van-Lare also clarified that Dr. Erinne’s medical license was never revoked in any U.S. state. According to him, the late doctor held active medical licenses in Illinois, New York, Virginia, and Maryland. “One state cannot revoke all licenses at once, and none was revoked,” Van-Lare stated.

Van-Lare shared court documents detailing the case between Dr. Erinne and his daughter, Suzette. The documents revealed that the late doctor was ordered not to contact Suzette, refrain from abusing her, and stay away from their children and their school. The case was categorized as “domestic violence.” Van-Lare emphasized that the child support amount was determined based on the needs of their physically challenged son, who requires special medical care and attends a special needs school.

“The courts consider the income of both parents before making decisions. He was asked to pay child support, not alimony or spousal support, as my daughter is self-sufficient,” Van-Lare explained.

Van-Lare recounted the harrowing final moments of Dr. Erinne’s life, alleging that the late doctor held his daughter, their children, and their nanny at gunpoint for hours before taking his own life when police arrived. “I just thank God he did not shoot my daughter and grandchildren in his madness,” Van-Lare said.

Van-Lare also addressed false claims that Dr. Erinne brought his daughter from Nigeria and funded her education. He clarified that Suzette was born and raised in the United States, specifically in Long Island, New York. She is a full-blooded American citizen who won a full sports scholarship in athletics and nearly represented the USA in the 2012 Olympics in the 100m and 200m events. Suzette is also an accomplished pianist, trumpeter, and holds a Doctor of Medical Science degree.

Van-Lare expressed his frustration with online misinformation and vowed to protect his family’s reputation. “Liars everywhere. He killed himself to avoid paying $1,900 monthly, which he sometimes paid partially. Deadbeat dad! Go to the Maryland Court Circuit and check the numerous restraining orders. Quiet and peaceful guy, my foot,” he said.

He also issued a stern warning to bloggers spreading falsehoods: “Any more rubbish talk about my family, and there will be more revelations. I am a bulldozer and will bulldoze any lying blogger.”

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