The Center for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has formally called on law enforcement authorities to initiate an investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct directed at Ezra Olubi, co-founder of Paystack, following his suspension by the company in relation to the same allegations.
Public concern arose on Friday after the Stripe-owned Nigerian payments company announced Olubi’s suspension, citing alleged sexual misconduct involving a subordinate. Reports indicate that the controversy originated on Wednesday when a woman, who previously had a personal relationship with Olubi, posted grievances regarding his conduct on social media.
The social media disclosure drew attention to a series of posts allegedly attributable to Olubi, dating from 2009 and 2013, which purportedly contained sexually suggestive remarks involving colleagues and, in some claims, minors. Following the resurfacing of these posts, Olubi deactivated his X account.
Several of the alleged posts prompted public criticism, including statements that referenced inappropriate interactions with coworkers and minors. Specific posts cited include:
“I judge my female friends by the sound of their pee make. Thanks to the audio in my bathroom.”
“Save water. Take a bath with your neighbor’s daughter.”
“Monday will be more fun with an ‘a’ in it. Touch a coworker today. Inappropriately.”
On Friday, Paystack confirmed that it had opened a formal internal investigation into the matter. The company stated:
“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 further emphasized that it would refrain from additional commentary during the investigative process, stating:
“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.”
Debo Adeniran, Executive Director of CACOL, described the allegations as raising serious moral and potential criminal concerns. Adeniran emphasized that individuals holding executive positions are expected to maintain conduct “above board in all his or her dealings.” He further noted that while consensual relationships between adults may not constitute a criminal offense, the involvement of minors would constitute a criminal matter requiring immediate police intervention.
Adeniran additionally criticized any delay by the company in reporting allegations involving minors, asserting that Paystack should have notified law enforcement without waiting for parental or guardian complaints. He stressed that a comprehensive police investigation is necessary to establish facts and ensure accountability if any criminal violations are confirmed.
Public response to the allegations has been significant, with social media users reacting to the resurfaced posts and related claims of personal misconduct. Commentary has also extended to broader concerns regarding the cultural framing of “unconventional genius” and its intersection with accountability and ethical conduct in professional contexts.#newsafro_
