Idara Bassey, the Lagos-based doctor who had been on the run following the death of a 36-year-old woman during a buttock enlargement procedure, is now in police custody. The incident occurred at Bassey’s clinic in Lekki Phase 1 on August 26, 2024.
According to Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, Dr. Bassey is being held and investigated at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti. Bassey had previously fled the scene after the death of the patient, Abiola, during the controversial Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) surgery.
The BBL procedure involves removing fat from other parts of the body and injecting it into the buttocks to enhance their shape and size. Despite warnings from medical professionals about the risks associated with this surgery, including a high-profile case in 2019 where a British woman died during a similar procedure, the practice remains popular.
Reports have surfaced of women, particularly in Lagos, undergoing successful BBL surgeries despite known risks. The death of Abiola has highlighted these dangers once again.
In addition to Dr. Bassey’s arrest, the nurse who administered the injection to Abiola has also been detained. The clinic’s owner, who was absent at the time of the incident, is now a suspect in the ongoing investigation.
Abiola had traveled from her home in Diamond Estate, Sangotedo, Ibeju Lekki, to the clinic for the surgery. According to the driver who brought her, she lost consciousness and started gasping for breath shortly after the procedure began.
Hundeyin confirmed that Dr. Bassey is currently with the SCID but did not specify whether charges would be filed against him or on what grounds, stating that further details will emerge following the conclusion of the investigation.
