Nigerian-British businessman dies after penis enlargement procedure in Thailand

A 43-year-old Nigerian-British businessman and social media influencer, Igho Ubiribo, has died following complications from a penis enlargement procedure he underwent while on holiday in Thailand.

Ubiribo reportedly travelled to Bangkok with his wife, Danielle Simba Allen, for a luxury vacation before deciding to have the cosmetic procedure.

The Daily Mail reported that a UK coroner later determined that the procedure resulted in a fatal pulmonary embolism.

Ubiribo, who was also known by the nicknames “Tiny”, “Denisi” and “Ego”, reportedly had 40 millilitres of hyaluronic acid and lidocaine injected into his penis at an unnamed clinic in Thailand in March.

After the procedure, Ubiribo and his wife returned to their Marriott hotel, where they reportedly went for a massage.

During the massage, he complained of chest pain before losing consciousness twice.

He was subsequently taken by ambulance to Sukhumvit Hospital, where he was initially responsive to medical personnel.

Evidence presented during an inquest at the Inner West London Coroners’ Court showed that Allen told doctors her husband had recently received penis filler injections.

Medical staff reportedly suspected that he had developed a pulmonary embolism and recommended that he undergo a CT scan.

However, Ubiribo lost consciousness before the scan could be completed.

He was then moved to an intensive care unit, where doctors carried out cardiopulmonary resuscitation for more than 100 minutes in an effort to save his life.

Despite the prolonged resuscitation attempt, Ubiribo died in the early hours of March 6.

Postmortem findings

A postmortem examination carried out in the United Kingdom subsequently revealed cellular material in Ubiribo’s lungs that was consistent with the hyaluronic acid used in the cosmetic treatment.

Pathologist John du Parcq told the inquest that the substance discovered in the businessman’s lungs corresponded with the material injected during the procedure.

He said the findings were consistent with pulmonary embolism and were also in line with the results of an autopsy conducted in Thailand.

Following the evidence presented at the inquest, coroner Jean Harkin concluded that Ubiribo died from a pulmonary embolism caused by the cosmetic procedure.

Pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood vessel supplying the lungs becomes blocked. It can become fatal if the blockage suddenly interferes with blood circulation and places significant pressure on the heart.

His medical history

Information provided by Ubiribo’s London primary care doctor during the inquest indicated that he had previously undergone joint surgery.

He was also reportedly pre-diabetic and suffered from gout.

However, his doctor said he did not have any other major medical conditions.

Hyaluronic acid-based penis fillers are marketed as a non-surgical option for increasing penile girth. The procedure involves injecting the filler beneath the skin.

Medical experts have, however, warned that injectable cosmetic fillers can carry serious risks and complications.

According to the Daily Mail, the procedures can cost thousands of dollars, while the effects of hyaluronic acid fillers typically last for several months before the substance is naturally absorbed by the body.

Lavish lifestyle

Ubiribo had built a significant social media following by sharing aspects of his affluent lifestyle. He reportedly had approximately 185,000 followers on Instagram.

The businessman was said to own a property in Los Angeles valued at about $1.1 million, as well as a London apartment estimated at around $600,000.

He married Zimbabwean fashion designer and socialite Danielle Simba Allen in a lavish ceremony held in Zimbabwe in 2022.

Following his death, Ubiribo was laid to rest in London in a gold coffin reportedly valued at more than $600,000.

Afrobeats star Davido was among those who attended the funeral.

Davido, who was reportedly a childhood friend of Ubiribo, is said to have spoken during the funeral and expressed disbelief over the businessman’s sudden death.

He described Ubiribo as a man of great energy and presence, saying his death was difficult to accept.

The case has renewed concerns over the possible dangers associated with cosmetic penis enlargement procedures involving injectable fillers.

Although hyaluronic acid is commonly used in a range of cosmetic treatments, the circumstances surrounding Ubiribo’s death highlight the potentially severe complications that can follow injectable procedures.

The coroner’s conclusion was based on evidence from the inquest, particularly the discovery of material in Ubiribo’s lungs that was linked to the hyaluronic acid used during the procedure.