A Nigerian-British businessman and social media influencer, Igho Ubiribo, has died following complications from a penis enlargement procedure he underwent during a luxury holiday in Thailand.
Ubiribo, 43, reportedly suffered a fatal pulmonary embolism after receiving injectable fillers at a clinic in Bangkok in March. Findings from a United Kingdom inquest later linked the substance found in his lungs to the cosmetic procedure.
According to evidence presented at the inquest, Ubiribo travelled to Thailand with his wife, Zimbabwean fashion designer Danielle Simba Allen. While in Bangkok, he decided to undergo a penis enlargement procedure involving the injection of approximately 40 millilitres of hyaluronic acid and lidocaine.
Following the procedure, Ubiribo and his wife returned to their Marriott hotel and went for a massage.
It was during the massage that he reportedly complained of chest pain before collapsing and losing consciousness.
He was taken to Sukhumvit Hospital, where medical personnel initially managed to establish contact with him. His wife reportedly told doctors about the recent penis filler treatment, raising concerns that the procedure could be connected to his sudden condition.
Doctors suspected a pulmonary embolism and recommended further scans. However, Ubiribo reportedly lost consciousness before the examination could be completed.
He was subsequently transferred to intensive care, where medical personnel carried out prolonged cardiopulmonary resuscitation in an attempt to save his life.
He was pronounced dead in the early hours of March 6.
Postmortem Provides Link to Cosmetic Procedure
A postmortem examination conducted in the UK reportedly found material in Ubiribo’s lungs that was consistent with the hyaluronic acid used during the penis filler procedure.
Pathologist John du Parcq told the inquest that the material discovered during the examination matched the substance injected during the cosmetic treatment.
The evidence supported the conclusion that Ubiribo suffered a pulmonary embolism associated with the procedure.
Coroner Jean Harkin subsequently ruled that his death was caused by a pulmonary embolism linked to the cosmetic injection.
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood clot or other material blocks a blood vessel supplying the lungs. Depending on its severity, it can cause sudden chest pain, breathing difficulties, cardiovascular collapse and death.
Cosmetic Procedure Raises Safety Concerns
Hyaluronic acid-based penis fillers are marketed as a non-surgical method of increasing penile girth. However, as with other injectable cosmetic procedures, complications can occur, particularly when substances enter blood vessels or migrate to other parts of the body.
During the inquest, Ubiribo’s medical history was also examined. Information from his London doctor indicated that he had previously undergone joint surgeries and had been described as pre-diabetic and suffering from gout. His doctor reportedly said he had no other major medical conditions.
Known for a Luxury Lifestyle
Ubiribo, who was also known by the names “Tiny,” “Denisi” and “Ego,” had built a significant social media following and was known for documenting a lavish lifestyle.
He reportedly had about 185,000 followers on Instagram and owned properties in Los Angeles and London.
He married Danielle Simba Allen in a lavish ceremony in 2022.
Following his death, Ubiribo was buried in London in a gold coffin, with reports claiming that his funeral arrangements cost hundreds of thousands of dollars.
Afrobeats superstar Davido, who was described as a childhood friend of the businessman, reportedly attended the funeral and paid tribute to him.
The case has drawn renewed attention to the risks associated with injectable cosmetic procedures and the importance of seeking qualified medical professionals when considering elective treatments.
