A 43-year-old Nigerian-British businessman and social media influencer, Igho Ubiribo, has died after developing a fatal pulmonary embolism following a penis enlargement procedure in Thailand.
A UK coroner, Jean Harkin, reportedly ruled that the cosmetic procedure caused the blood clot that led to his death.
Ubiribo, who was also known as “Tiny”, “Denisi” and “Ego”, was on holiday in Bangkok with his wife, Danielle Simba Allen, when he underwent the procedure in March, according to the Daily Mail.
The newspaper reported that about 40 millilitres of hyaluronic acid and lidocaine were injected into his penis at an unnamed clinic.
After the procedure, Ubiribo and his wife reportedly returned to their Marriott hotel, where they went for a massage.
During the massage, he complained of chest pain and later collapsed twice.
He was taken by ambulance to Sukhumvit Hospital, where he initially responded to questions.
His wife reportedly told doctors that he had recently undergone penis filler injections, prompting medical staff to suspect that he might have suffered a pulmonary embolism.
Doctors recommended a CT scan, but Ubiribo reportedly lost consciousness before the examination could be conducted.
He was subsequently moved to the intensive care unit, where medical staff performed cardiopulmonary resuscitation for more than 100 minutes in an effort to save his life.
He died in the early hours of March 6.
Postmortem linked filler to lungs
Evidence presented during an inquest at the Inner West London Coroners’ Court later linked the cosmetic procedure to Ubiribo’s death.
A postmortem examination conducted in the UK found cellular material in his lungs that was consistent with the hyaluronic acid used in the procedure.
Pathologist John du Parcq told the inquest that the material found in Ubiribo’s lungs matched the substance used in the penis filler.
He said the findings were consistent with a pulmonary embolism and also corresponded with the findings of an autopsy conducted in Thailand.
Following the evidence, the coroner ruled that Ubiribo died from a pulmonary embolism caused by the cosmetic procedure.
A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood vessel supplying the lungs becomes blocked. It can become life-threatening when blood flow to the lungs is suddenly restricted, and the heart is placed under severe strain.
Doctor says no major underlying condition
Evidence from Ubiribo’s primary care doctor in London also provided information about his medical history during the inquest.
He had previously undergone surgery on his joints and was described as pre-diabetic and suffering from gout.
However, his doctor reportedly indicated that he had no other significant medical conditions.
Hyaluronic acid fillers are sometimes used as a non-surgical method of increasing penis girth.
The substances are also widely used in other cosmetic procedures, but medical professionals have warned that injectable fillers can carry serious risks when complications occur.
The effects of hyaluronic acid fillers generally last for several months before the body gradually absorbs the substance.
Ubiribo was known on social media for documenting an affluent lifestyle and reportedly had about 185,000 followers on Instagram.
He reportedly owned a home in Los Angeles valued at about $1.1m and an apartment in London worth approximately $600,000.
He married Allen, a fashion designer and socialite, in a lavish ceremony in Zimbabwe in 2022.
Following his death, Ubiribo was buried in London in a gold coffin reportedly worth more than $600,000.
Afrobeats singer Davido attended the funeral and reportedly spoke about his childhood friend.
The singer described Ubiribo as a man with great energy and presence, saying his death was difficult to accept.
The case has since drawn attention to the potential complications of cosmetic procedures involving injectable fillers.
Although hyaluronic acid is commonly used in cosmetic medicine, the coroner’s finding in Ubiribo’s case linked the material found in his lungs to the filler used during the procedure.
