The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership has called on the Nigeria Police to investigate the sexual misconduct allegations made against Paystack co-founder Ezra Olubi, following his suspension by the company.
Public reactions intensified on Friday after the Stripe-owned payment platform announced Olubi’s suspension over allegations involving a subordinate.
Saturday PUNCH learnt that the controversy began on Wednesday when a woman who had previously been in a relationship with Olubi went online to share personal grievances.
Her post resurfaced a collection of old tweets allegedly linked to him from 2009 to 2013, which users said contained sexually suggestive comments referencing colleagues and minors.
The posts reignited discussions about accountability and how old social-media activity can affect public figures. Olubi has since deactivated his X account.
Some of the resurfaced tweets attracted widespread backlash, including one that read: “I judge my female friends by the sound of their pee make. Thanks to the audio in my bathroom,” and another stating: “Save water. Take a bath with your neighbour’s daughter.”
Another tweet from May 23, 2011 read: “Monday will be more fun with an ‘a’ in it. Touch a coworker today. Inappropriately.”
TechCabal reported on Friday that the company had launched a formal investigation into the allegations.
“Paystack is aware of the allegations involving our co-founder, Ezra Olubi. We take matters of this nature extremely seriously. Effective immediately, Ezra has been suspended from all duties and responsibilities pending the outcome of a formal investigation,” the company said.
The company further stated it would not make additional comments until the probe is concluded.
“Out of respect for the individuals involved and to protect the integrity of the process, we will not be commenting further until the investigation is complete,” Paystack added.
Speaking with Saturday PUNCH, CACOL Executive Director Debo Adeniran said the allegations, judging by public reactions, raise serious moral and potentially criminal concerns.
He described the situation as “moral corruption,” stressing that individuals in executive positions must maintain exemplary conduct.
He said while consensual adult relationships may not constitute a crime, the situation becomes different if minors are involved.
“If it is with minors, anybody under 18, then it is a criminal offence. No matter how it happens, once it involves an underage girl, the police should step in and ensure justice is done,” he said.
Adeniran added that a minor cannot, under the law, be held responsible for such an encounter.
“A minor is not capable of seducing an adult who is conscious of his integrity. So basically, that is a criminal offence that the police should step in and deal with,” he added.
He also criticised any delay in referring the matter to law enforcement if underage victims are involved.
“The company itself should have even handed him over to the police for investigation without waiting for parents or guardians of the minor to complain,” he said.
Adeniran maintained that a thorough police investigation is necessary to establish the facts and ensure accountability where required.
Saturday PUNCH gathered that the unproven allegations, currently under Paystack’s internal probe, triggered significant public response on Friday as X users reacted to resurfaced tweets and claims of misconduct.
Presidential aide on Research and Analytics, Gimba Kakanda, commented on the broader cultural issue surrounding unconventional genius, referencing the allegations. He suggested that figures like Olubi are often influenced by social narratives equating brilliance with nonconformity.
Another X user, @EmperorTwiTs, criticised Olubi sharply, calling him a disgrace to the nation, particularly in light of his 2022 national honour.
He wrote: “Should we now say there was little or no scrutiny before he was conferred a national honour? Or do we pretend not to know what kind of image this paints for the country?… And now that these revelations are out, will the Presidency quietly distance itself…? These questions have been running through my mind.”
User @realanitaoluwo offered her own interpretation of Olubi’s character, writing:
“Ezra Olubi is a textbook example of a sociopath… Just pay attention to his eyes in all his pictures; they are literally empty, no emotions.”
