A Nigerian-British businessman, Igho Ubiribo, has died after suffering a fatal pulmonary embolism following a cosmetic procedure to increase the size of his penis while on holiday in Thailand.
Ubiribo, 43, reportedly travelled to Bangkok with his wife, Danielle Simba Allen, when he opted for the cosmetic treatment at a clinic whose name was not disclosed.
The procedure involved the injection of hyaluronic acid and lidocaine into his penis, according to evidence presented during an inquest in the United Kingdom.
After the treatment, Ubiribo and his wife reportedly returned to their Marriott hotel and later went for a massage. It was during the massage that he developed chest pain and collapsed twice.
He was subsequently conveyed by ambulance to Sukhumvit Hospital, where he was initially conscious and able to respond to medical personnel.
His wife reportedly told doctors about the recent cosmetic procedure.
Medical staff became concerned that he could be suffering from a pulmonary embolism and planned to conduct a CT scan. However, his condition deteriorated before the examination could be completed.
Ubiribo was moved to an intensive care unit, where attempts were made to revive him through cardiopulmonary resuscitation for more than 100 minutes.
He was later pronounced dead.
A subsequent postmortem examination in Britain provided further evidence about the cause of death.
Pathologist John du Parcq told the inquest that material discovered in Ubiribo’s lungs was consistent with the hyaluronic acid administered during the procedure.
The findings also reportedly corresponded with those from an earlier examination conducted in Thailand, strengthening the link between the cosmetic treatment and the fatal complication.
Following the evidence presented at the Inner West London Coroners’ Court, coroner Jean Harkin concluded that Ubiribo died from a pulmonary embolism resulting from the cosmetic procedure.
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood vessel supplying the lungs becomes blocked.
It can cause a sudden and potentially fatal disruption of blood circulation and put severe pressure on the heart.
Ubiribo was reportedly a prominent figure on social media, where he showcased his luxurious lifestyle to about 185,000 Instagram followers.
He was said to have owned a house in Los Angeles valued at roughly $1.1m and a London apartment estimated at about $600,000.
The businessman married Zimbabwean fashion designer and socialite Allen in 2022 in a lavish ceremony in Zimbabwe.
After his death, Ubiribo was laid to rest in London in a gold coffin reportedly worth more than $600,000. Afrobeats singer Davido, who was said to have known him since childhood, attended the funeral.
The singer reportedly paid tribute to Ubiribo, expressing disbelief over his death and recalling his vibrant personality.
The case has renewed concerns about the possible dangers of injectable fillers used in cosmetic enhancement procedures.
Although hyaluronic acid is widely used for various cosmetic purposes, complications can become severe when the substance enters the bloodstream.