The Lagos State Government has opened an investigation into the reported death of a Lagos socialite known as “Elena,” who allegedly died after undergoing a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) cosmetic procedure at a clinic in the state.
The probe is being conducted by the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), the statutory body responsible for monitoring, licensing and accrediting health facilities in Lagos.
In a statement issued on Thursday, the agency’s Permanent Secretary, Abiola Idowu, said the investigation followed reports circulating on social media claiming the woman developed complications during or shortly after the aesthetic surgery.
While stressing that details were still being verified, the government said a “thorough, professional and transparent” inquiry had begun to establish the circumstances surrounding the reported death.
HEFAMAA disclosed that preliminary checks indicate the clinic where the procedure allegedly took place is registered with the agency.
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Notwithstanding, it stressed that registration does not exempt any facility from scrutiny where patient safety questions are raised.
The regulator clarified that cosmetic and aesthetic surgeries in Lagos are governed by defined standards covering facility requirements, practitioner qualifications, infection control, patient consent, anaesthetic safety and emergency response capacity.
According to the statement, the agency has commenced a comprehensive review to determine whether the clinic and medical personnel complied with existing regulations.
It added that the review includes verifying professional credentials and assessing the care provided before, during and after the procedure.
Members of the public were urged to remain calm and avoid spreading unverified information that could undermine the investigation.
Residents seeking cosmetic procedures were also advised to use only accredited facilities and qualified practitioners.