Nigerian fintech company Paystack has suspended its co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Ezra Olubi, following serious allegations of workplace sexual misconduct that have rocked the country's technology sector.
Controversy Erupts Over Past Social Media Posts
The suspension announced on Friday, November 14, 2025, comes amid growing social media scrutiny of Olubi's past online behavior. Although his X account has been deactivated, internet users uncovered numerous controversial tweets posted by the tech executive dating back to around 2010.
The resurfaced posts contain vulgar jokes and comments that many have described as disturbing, covering topics ranging from sexual harassment to inappropriate references involving minors. These historical tweets have intensified the current allegations against the 39-year-old technology leader.
Legal Expert Calls for Police Investigation
Prominent human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has weighed in on the developing situation, stating that Olubi has essentially confessed to "despicable atrocities" through his social media activity. In a detailed post on his verified X account, Adeyanju outlined multiple legal grounds for investigation.
The lawyer emphasized that while tweets alone may not always constitute conclusive evidence under the Evidence Act, they can raise reasonable suspicion of criminal behavior. Adeyanju specifically called on the Nigeria Police Force to investigate potential violations under several statutes including:
- Sexual offences involving minors under multiple acts including the Criminal Code Act and Child Rights Act
- Unnatural carnal knowledge under Section 214 of the Criminal Code Act
- Voyeurism and unlawful surveillance under the Cybercrimes Act
- Sexual harassment and incitement to commit sexual offences
Company Takes Swift Action
According to reports from TechCabal, Paystack moved quickly to address the allegations, issuing an official statement confirming Olubi's suspension from all duties and responsibilities. The suspension will remain in effect pending the outcome of the company's internal investigation into the misconduct claims.
This development represents a significant challenge for one of Nigeria's most prominent technology success stories. Paystack, which was acquired by Stripe in 2020, has been celebrated as a landmark achievement in the African tech ecosystem.
The controversy surrounding Olubi comes at a time when the Nigerian technology industry is facing increased scrutiny regarding workplace culture and professional conduct. Industry observers are closely watching how Paystack handles the investigation and whether other technology companies will implement stronger governance measures.
Adeyanju noted that while police investigation is warranted, "it may be difficult to sustain an action for sexual offences without nominal complainants" coming forward. This highlights the challenges in pursuing legal action based primarily on social media content without direct victims filing formal complaints.
The situation continues to develop as more details emerge about the specific nature of the workplace misconduct allegations and the timeframe of the investigated incidents.
