The Lagos State Police have confirmed that Dr. Idara Bassey, a medical doctor who was previously declared wanted following the death of a patient during a buttock enlargement surgery, is now in police custody. The arrest marks a significant development in the ongoing investigation into the tragic death of 36-year-old Abiola, who died during the procedure at a clinic in Lekki Phase 1 on August 26, 2024.
Lagos State Police Public Relations Officer, Benjamin Hundeyin, confirmed to PUNCH Metro on Tuesday that Dr. Bassey is currently being held at the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Panti, where she is under investigation. The doctor had fled the scene after the incident, leading to a manhunt by the authorities.
The Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL), the procedure involved in this case, is a cosmetic surgery that involves removing fat from other parts of the body and injecting it into the buttocks to enhance their shape and fullness. Despite its popularity, the procedure carries significant risks, which have been highlighted by several medical experts.
The death of a 31-year-old British woman, Melissa Kerr, during a similar surgery in Istanbul in 2019, further underscores these dangers. A BBC report from 2023 revealed that Kerr had not been adequately informed about the risks before undergoing the surgery.
Despite these warnings, the demand for buttock enlargement procedures remains high, particularly in Lagos, where many women have shared their experiences of successful surgeries on social media. However, Abiola’s death has brought the potential dangers into sharp focus.
According to reports, Abiola had left her home in Diamond Estate, Sangotedo, in the Ibeju Lekki area, and instructed her driver to take her to Dr. Bassey’s clinic for the procedure. During the operation, a nurse, allegedly acting under Dr. Bassey’s orders, administered an injection to Abiola. Shortly after, Abiola lost consciousness and began gasping for breath. Her driver, who witnessed the incident, reported it to the police.
The nurse who administered the injection has already been arrested, and with Dr. Bassey now in custody, the police are continuing their investigation into the case. When asked about the next steps, including whether Dr. Bassey would face charges, Hundeyin stated that these details would be clarified after the investigation is concluded.
This tragic incident has raised serious concerns about the safety of cosmetic surgeries in Lagos and the need for stricter regulations to protect patients. As the investigation unfolds, the public awaits further updates on the legal consequences that Dr. Bassey may face.