Paystack has suspended its Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Ezra Olubi, after a series of resurfaced social media posts ignited widespread allegations of sexual misconduct.
The fintech company confirmed the suspension on Friday, describing the matter as one it treats with the utmost seriousness.
In a statement issued to TechCabal, Paystack disclosed that it had begun a formal internal investigation, adding that Olubi would be removed from all official duties while the process is ongoing. The company explained that the temporary suspension is aimed at protecting the integrity of the review and ensuring that all concerns are addressed transparently.
According to Paystack, it will refrain from making further comments until the investigation is concluded. The company stated that it intends to safeguard the privacy of individuals connected to the case while maintaining a fair and unbiased process.
The controversy erupted after a compilation of Olubi’s old tweets — reportedly posted between 2009 and 2013 — resurfaced online. The posts contained sexualised remarks, including an inappropriate comment about touching a coworker and references involving minors. One tweet dated May 23, 2011, read: “Monday will be more fun with an ‘a’ in it. Touch a coworker today. Inappropriately.” Another referenced secretly recording his female friends in a bathroom.
The News Chronicle gathered that the renewed circulation of these posts caused significant public backlash, prompting Paystack to move swiftly in order to protect its corporate reputation and reassure stakeholders of its commitment to ethical conduct. Multiple industry watchers say the company is under pressure to show zero tolerance for misconduct, especially as one of Nigeria’s most prominent technology firms.
Olubi has not issued any public response regarding the tweets. He has, however, deactivated his X (formerly Twitter) account since the allegations resurfaced. His silence has further intensified public interest in the case.
Before this development, Olubi was widely celebrated in the tech ecosystem. In 2022, the late former President Muhammadu Buhari awarded him the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger, OON, placing him among more than 5,000 Nigerians who have received national decorations since 1963.
Paystack has assured stakeholders that necessary updates will be provided once the internal inquiry reaches a conclusion.
