The Lagos State Government has launched an investigation into the reported death of a socialite popularly known as “Elena,” who allegedly died after undergoing a Brazilian Butt Lift (BBL) procedure at a clinic in the state.
The probe is being conducted by the Health Facilities Monitoring and Accreditation Agency (HEFAMAA), the regulatory body responsible for monitoring and accrediting healthcare facilities across Lagos.
Reports circulating on social media had claimed that the woman suffered complications during or shortly after the cosmetic surgery, prompting public concern and calls for regulatory scrutiny of the facility involved.
Confirming the development on Thursday, the Permanent Secretary of HEFAMAA, Abiola Idowu, said the agency had commenced a comprehensive review to determine the exact circumstances surrounding the incident.
According to Idowu, preliminary findings indicate that the clinic where the procedure reportedly took place is registered with HEFAMAA. She, however, stressed that registration does not exempt any health facility from regulatory oversight, particularly when questions arise about patient safety and compliance with medical standards.
“As the statutory regulatory body responsible for monitoring, licensing, and accrediting healthcare facilities in Lagos State, HEFAMAA ensures that all health facilities adhere to established operational standards, professional guidelines, and patient safety protocols,” she said.
Idowu explained that aesthetic and cosmetic procedures such as BBL surgeries are governed by strict regulatory requirements in the state. These include standards relating to facility infrastructure, the qualifications of medical practitioners, infection prevention and control measures, patient consent procedures, anaesthetic safety, and emergency preparedness.
She added that investigators are currently conducting a detailed assessment of the incident, including verification of the credentials of the medical personnel involved and an evaluation of the quality of care provided before, during, and after the surgery.
“The government remains firmly committed to protecting the health and safety of all residents through enhanced regulatory oversight, continuous monitoring of healthcare facilities, and strict enforcement of standards across the state,” Idowu said.
The agency also urged members of the public to exercise restraint and avoid circulating unverified information that could compromise the integrity of the ongoing investigation.
