Influencer dies after penile filler procedure in Bangkok

British-Nigerian businessman and influencer Igho “Tiny” Ubiribo died in Bangkok in March after a cosmetic penile filler procedure caused a fatal pulmonary embolism.

British-Nigerian businessman and social media influencer Igho “Tiny” Ubiribo died after a cosmetic penile filler procedure in Bangkok triggered a fatal pulmonary embolism, a London coroner has ruled.

Ubiribo, 43, died in the early hours of March 6, 2026, after receiving about 40 millilitres of hyaluronic acid and lidocaine at an unnamed clinic in the Thai capital. Details of his death emerged following an inquest at Inner West London Coroners’ Court, where evidence was heard about the events leading to his death. Ubiribo, who was also known online as Ego, had been in Bangkok on holiday with his wife, Danielle Simba Allen. The couple was staying at a Marriott hotel when he underwent the cosmetic procedure on March 5.

The treatment involved injecting dermal filler into the penis to increase its girth. Shortly afterwards, Ubiribo and his wife went for a massage. During the session, he began complaining of chest pain and fainted twice. He was taken by ambulance to Sukhumvit Hospital, where his wife informed medical staff that he had received penile filler injections earlier that day.

Dr Thongchai Chansirirattingkul told the inquest that Ubiribo had experienced two episodes of syncope, or fainting, while receiving the massage. “He had had 40 millilitres of penile filler injections earlier that day,” the doctor said. Ubiribo was initially conscious and able to answer questions during the ambulance journey. His condition deteriorated after arriving at the hospital, however, and he lost consciousness before doctors could complete a CT scan.

Medical staff determined that he had suffered a pulmonary embolism, a potentially fatal blockage of blood flow through the lungs. He was transferred to intensive care, but attempts to revive him continued for more than 100 minutes before he died. Assistant Coroner Jean Harkin concluded that the cosmetic procedure had caused the pulmonary embolism.

A post-mortem examination conducted after his body was returned to the United Kingdom reportedly found cellular material in his lungs consistent with the hyaluronic acid used during the procedure, strengthening the link between the injection and the fatal embolism. Ubiribo was a prominent social media personality with about 185,000 Instagram followers. His online presence featured luxury travel, fashion, lifestyle and appearances with high-profile personalities.

Reports said he had no major underlying health problems, although his London GP confirmed that he had previously undergone joint surgery, was pre-diabetic, and suffered from gout. The death has drawn renewed attention to the risks associated with cosmetic filler procedures, particularly when performed on intimate areas of the body. Unlike surgical implants, dermal fillers are injected into tissue, and complications can occur if filler enters or affects blood vessels. The consequences can include serious vascular complications.

The Bangkok clinic where Ubiribo received the treatment has not been publicly identified in reports of the inquest. His death has also prompted questions about the regulation and safety of non-surgical cosmetic procedures, particularly when patients seek treatments abroad. For Ubiribo's family and followers, however, the case represents the sudden loss of a businessman and influencer whose online persona was closely associated with an affluent lifestyle.

The inquest has now provided an official explanation for his death: a cosmetic procedure intended to enhance his appearance resulted in a pulmonary embolism that proved fatal.

Igho Ubiribo death