Thailand Penis Enlargement Procedure Linked to Influencer's Death

British-Nigerian businessman and influencer Igho Ubiribo died after a cosmetic penile filler procedure at an unnamed clinic in Thailand while holidaying in Bangkok with his wife, a London inquest has heard.

The 43-year-old suffered a pulmonary embolism after receiving injections of hyaluronic acid and lidocaine in March. Assistant coroner Jean Harkin recorded a narrative conclusion that the embolism was caused by the cosmetic procedure abroad.

Ubiribo, known online as "Tiny" and "Ego", had 185,000 Instagram followers. He was visiting Thailand with his wife, Danielle Simba Allen, and the couple were staying at the Marriott Hotel in Bangkok.

Chest pain during massage

The inquest at Inner West London Coroners' Court heard that Ubiribo received 40 millilitres of hyaluronic acid and lidocaine at the clinic before going for a massage with his wife.

He later complained of chest pain and fainted twice. Dr Thongchai Chansirirattingkul of Sukhumvit Hospital said Ubiribo had experienced two cases of syncope, or fainting, during the massage and had received the penile filler injections earlier that day.

Ms Harkin said he was able to answer questions normally while travelling by ambulance to hospital. On arrival at Sukhumvit Hospital, doctors recommended a CT scan, but he lost consciousness before it could be carried out.

His wife told hospital staff about the procedure. Doctors diagnosed a pulmonary embolism, in which a clot blocks a blood vessel in the lungs, and transferred him to intensive care.

Despite more than 100 minutes of CPR and ROSC procedures (return of spontaneous circulation), Ubiribo died in the early hours of March 6.

Postmortem findings supported Thai diagnosis

Pathologist John du Parcq carried out a postmortem examination in the UK. He found that cellular material in Ubiribo's lungs matched the hyaluronic acid used in the filler injection, consistent with a pulmonary embolism.

"This matches the Thai autopsy," Dr du Parcq said in his report.

Ubiribo's London-based primary care doctor said he had previously undergone a joint operation, was pre-diabetic and had gout, but had no other medical issues.

The coroner said: "Igho Ubiribo, a businessman, died as the result of a cosmetic procedure abroad. His death was caused by a pulmonary embolism as the result of an injection of hyaluronic acid into the penis."

What medical tourists should consider

Thailand is a major destination for cosmetic procedures, including for visitors and foreign residents. This case underlines the importance of checking a provider's medical credentials, discussing health conditions and possible complications in advance, and ensuring travel insurance covers elective treatment and any resulting emergency care.

Hyaluronic acid filler procedures have been criticised by medical professionals. The British Association of Urological Surgeons has issued warnings, while NHS andrologist Professor Vaibhav Modgil said complications could be "devastating for the patient".

The clinic involved in Ubiribo's procedure was not named at the inquest.

With over 100,000 followers on Instagram, Ubiribo is known for his luxurious lifestyle. He owns a $1.1 million house in Crenshaw, Los Angeles, and a $600,000 apartment in London. His wife is a fashion designer and socialite, and the couple had a lavish wedding in Zimbabwe in 2022.

Pictures courtesy of Daily Mail

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7 September 2026