The Appellate Division of the Supreme Court of the State of New York has upheld a protection order against Michael Ikechi Iheukumere, ensuring the safety of Francine Sylvia Chew and their two children. The decision, made on June 24, 2026, confirms the Family Court's ruling that Iheukumere must stay away from Chew and the children until August 6, 2026. This ruling comes after allegations of harassment and other concerning behavior by the father.

This case, documented under docket number 2024-08614, highlights the ongoing legal battles surrounding family safety and protection from domestic violence. The court's decision is significant as it reinforces the importance of protective measures for individuals facing harassment and threats, particularly in family situations.

Background

The parties involved in this case are Francine Sylvia Chew and Michael Ikechi Iheukumere, who share two children. The dispute began in November 2021 when Chew initiated a family offense proceeding against Iheukumere, alleging harassment. The Family Court found that Iheukumere had committed the offense of harassment in the second degree after a fact-finding hearing, during which he failed to appear.

Following this ruling, the Family Court issued an order of protection on September 14, 2022. This order required Iheukumere to stay away from Chew and their children, except for court-ordered parental access. However, in May 2024, Chew moved to extend this order, citing further harassment from Iheukumere, including visits to her workplace and sending false accusations to her employer.

The Ruling

The Appellate Division affirmed the Family Court's decision to extend the order of protection, which now lasts until August 6, 2026. The court found that there was good cause to extend the order based on Iheukumere's behavior, which included repeated contact with Chew's employer and coworkers, as well as making false claims about her.

The court ruled, "the Family Court properly found that there was good cause to extend the 2022 order of protection based upon the father's conduct, including repeatedly contacting the mother's employer and co-workers and making false accusations about her."

This ruling was made by a panel of judges including Colleen D. Duffy, Angela G. Iannacci, Paul Wooten, and James P. McCormack. The judges agreed that the evidence presented justified the extension of the protection order, ensuring that Chew and her children could remain safe from further harassment.

Impact

The court's decision has significant implications for domestic violence cases in New York. It emphasizes the court's commitment to protecting individuals from harassment and ensuring the safety of children in family disputes. This ruling may set a precedent for future cases where protective orders are sought, particularly in situations involving repeated harassment or threats.

For families dealing with similar issues, this case serves as a reminder of the legal protections available to victims of domestic violence. It highlights the importance of taking legal action when faced with harassment, as courts are willing to extend protection orders based on evidence of ongoing threats or dangerous behavior.

What's Next

While the ruling has been affirmed, it is possible for Iheukumere to appeal the decision to a higher court. However, details regarding any potential appeal or related cases were not available in the court filing. For now, the protection order remains in effect, providing security for Chew and her children.