The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) and human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju have urged the Nigeria Police Force to investigate sexual misconduct allegations against suspended Paystack co-founder Ezra Olubi. Paystack announced his suspension following resurfaced tweets and public outrage.
Details of the Allegations and Suspension
Ezra Olubi, co-founder and Chief Technology Officer of Paystack, was suspended by the Stripe-owned fintech company after allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced online.
The controversy began when a woman who had a past relationship with Olubi posted grievances online, drawing attention to old tweets from 2009–2013 that contained sexually suggestive remarks involving colleagues and minors The Punch Premium Times TheCable.
These tweets quickly went viral, prompting Paystack to announce his suspension pending investigation Premium Times The Guardian Nigeria News Nairametrics.
Calls for Police Investigation
The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) publicly urged the Nigeria Police Force to investigate the allegations, stressing that workplace misconduct and potential criminal behavior must not be ignored The Punch.
Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju also demanded a probe, citing provisions of Nigerian law—including the Criminal Code Act, Child Rights Act 2003, VAPP Act 2015, and Cybercrimes Act 2015—that empower police to investigate sexual offenses without waiting for a formal petition Sahara Reporters.
Adeyanju argued that the allegations, if substantiated, could involve serious criminal offenses and should be treated with urgency.
Broader Implications
The case has sparked public outrage and renewed debate about accountability in Nigeria’s tech industry, especially regarding how past social media activity can resurface to challenge reputations.
Paystack, one of Nigeria’s most successful fintech startups, emphasized that it takes such matters seriously and has launched an internal investigation.
The controversy highlights the growing scrutiny of workplace ethics in Africa’s tech ecosystem, where global investors demand higher standards of conduct and compliance.
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