Nigerian-British businessman dies after penis enlargement in Thailand

A 43-year-old Nigerian-British businessman, Igho Ubiribo, has died after undergoing a cosmetic penis enlargement procedure while on holiday in Thailand, with a UK coroner linking his death to a pulmonary embolism.

Ubiribo, who was known on social media by names including “Tiny”, “Denisi” and “Ego”, reportedly travelled to Bangkok with his wife, Danielle Simba Allen, when he opted for the procedure.

According to the Daily Mail, 40 millilitres of hyaluronic acid and lidocaine were injected into his penis at an unnamed clinic in Thailand in March.

The report said Ubiribo and his wife later returned to their Marriott hotel, where they went for a massage. During the session, he complained of chest pain and reportedly collapsed twice.

He was rushed by ambulance to Sukhumvit Hospital, where he was initially responsive to questions. His wife reportedly told doctors that he had recently received penis filler injections.

Medical staff suspected a pulmonary embolism and recommended a CT scan, but Ubiribo reportedly lost consciousness before the examination could be performed.

He was transferred to intensive care, where doctors carried out cardiopulmonary resuscitation for more than 100 minutes. He died in the early hours of March 6.

Postmortem findings

Evidence presented during an inquest at the Inner West London Coroners’ Court indicated that material found in Ubiribo’s lungs was consistent with the hyaluronic acid used in the procedure.

Pathologist John du Parcq told the inquest that the cellular material recovered from the lungs matched the substance used in the penis filler treatment.

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

Coroner Jean Harkin subsequently concluded that Ubiribo died from a pulmonary embolism caused by the cosmetic procedure, according to the Daily Mail.

A pulmonary embolism occurs when a blood vessel supplying the lungs becomes blocked. It can be fatal if blood flow to the lungs is suddenly restricted, placing significant strain on the heart.

Ubiribo’s London primary care doctor also provided evidence about his medical history during the inquest. He had previously undergone joint surgery and was described as pre-diabetic and having gout, although the doctor reportedly said he had no other significant medical conditions.

Penis fillers containing hyaluronic acid are marketed as a non-surgical option for increasing penile girth. However, the case has highlighted concerns about potentially serious complications associated with injectable cosmetic fillers.

The Daily Mail reported that the effects of hyaluronic acid fillers generally last for several months before the substance is gradually absorbed by the body.

Ubiribo, who reportedly had about 185,000 followers on Instagram, was known for showcasing his affluent lifestyle online. The businessman reportedly owned a home in Los Angeles valued at about $1.1 million and a London apartment worth approximately $600,000.

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

Ubiribo was later buried in London in a gold coffin reportedly costing more than $600,000. Nigerian Afrobeats singer Davido, who was described as his childhood friend, attended the funeral and reportedly spoke about his death.

The case has renewed attention on the risks associated with cosmetic penis enlargement procedures involving injectable fillers, despite the widespread use of hyaluronic acid in other cosmetic treatments.