The Lagos State Police Command has arrested a nurse in connection with the death of a 36-year-old woman named Abiola, who died following a failed buttocks enlargement procedure.
The nurse, whose identity has not been disclosed, was taken into custody after the Maroko Police Division received a report of the incident.
The unfortunate incident occurred in the early hours of Monday, when Abiola, a resident of Diamond Estate in Sangotedo-Lekki, decided to undergo a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) injection at a clinic in Lekki Phase 1.
According to Lagos State Police spokesman SP Benjamin Hundeyin, the deceased’s driver, who reported the incident, said that Abiola had asked him to drive her to the clinic at around 3 a.m.
Upon arrival at the clinic, the owner allegedly instructed a nurse to administer the buttocks enlargement injection.
However, shortly after the procedure, Abiola began to show signs of distress, becoming unconscious and gasping for breath.
The clinic staff quickly rushed her to another hospital in Lekki Phase 1, but unfortunately, she was pronounced dead upon arrival by the doctor on duty.
The police were promptly informed, and a team of detectives visited both the clinic and the hospital where Abiola was treated.
The scene was thoroughly examined, and the deceased’s body was inspected and photographed before being transferred to a public morgue for autopsy.
SP Hundeyin confirmed that the nurse involved in the procedure has been arrested, and an investigation is currently underway.
“The investigation into the matter is in progress, and the nurse has been arrested as part of the ongoing efforts to determine the exact circumstances that led to the death of the deceased,” he said.
The police spokesman further stated that the outcome of the autopsy would be crucial in understanding what went wrong during the procedure.
“The autopsy will provide more information about the cause of death, and we are committed to ensuring that justice is served,” Hundeyin added.
Brazilian Butt Lifts (BBLs) have become increasingly popular in Nigeria and around the world, with many women seeking to enhance their body shape through this cosmetic surgery.
The procedure typically involves removing fat from other parts of the body, such as the abdomen or thighs, and injecting it into the buttocks to create a fuller, more rounded appearance.
While the demand for BBLs has soared, so too have concerns about the safety of the procedure. BBLs are considered one of the riskiest cosmetic surgeries, with complications ranging from fat embolism—a condition where fat enters the bloodstream and blocks blood flow—to infections and other life-threatening issues.
In developed countries, BBL procedures are usually performed by highly trained plastic surgeons in accredited medical facilities.
However, in Nigeria, the rise of unregulated cosmetic clinics and underqualified practitioners has led to an increase in botched surgeries and tragic outcomes, like the one that claimed Abiola’s life.
