The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership has called on the Nigeria Police Force to launch a full investigation into the sexual misconduct allegations raised against Paystack co-founder Ezra Olubi, who was suspended this week by the prominent fintech company. The group said the nature of the accusations and the public response demand an independent probe to establish the facts and ensure accountability.
Public outrage intensified on Friday after Paystack, a Nigerian payment platform owned by Stripe, announced that Olubi had been suspended pending the conclusion of an internal investigation. The company said the allegations relate to sexual misconduct involving a subordinate, a claim that sparked immediate concern across the tech community and among corporate governance advocates.
Information obtained by Saturday PUNCH indicated that the controversy began on Wednesday when a woman who previously had a personal relationship with Olubi published a lengthy online post accusing him of manipulative behavior and inappropriate conduct. Although the post did not directly mention Paystack, social media users quickly connected the allegations to Olubi based on past public interactions.
The online backlash escalated as users dug up several old tweets allegedly associated with Olubi, some dating back as far as 2009 and 2013. These posts were said to contain sexually suggestive remarks referencing colleagues and minors, drawing widespread condemnation and demands for a formal investigation. Many users claimed the resurfaced tweets raised deeper concerns that could no longer be dismissed as youthful indiscretion.
Advocacy groups, including CACOL, argued that the issue has grown beyond corporate disciplinary action and now requires law enforcement involvement. The group said allegations involving minors whether proven or not cannot be left solely in the hands of a private company’s internal processes. It insisted that the police must determine if any laws were violated.
CACOL added that Nigeria’s fast-growing tech ecosystem must be held to the same ethical and legal standards expected of corporate leaders globally. It warned that failing to address potential misconduct at senior levels could undermine public trust in the industry and discourage employees from reporting abuses.
Meanwhile, the allegations have sparked debates about workplace safety and power dynamics within the Nigerian tech sector. Several commentators argued that the situation highlights the need for stronger reporting systems, clearer anti-harassment policies and more transparent enforcement mechanisms.
As the conversation expanded online, supporters of Olubi urged the public to avoid a “trial by social media,” arguing that the accusations remain unproven. They emphasized that old tweets taken out of context should not automatically translate into guilt without a proper investigation. Others countered that the pattern of comments found in the resurfaced tweets was troubling enough to warrant immediate scrutiny.
Paystack has not released detailed information about the internal case, citing confidentiality protocols. The company only confirmed that Olubi’s suspension will remain in effect until its review is completed. It also pledged to cooperate with authorities if law enforcement becomes involved.
As of Saturday night, Olubi had not issued a personal statement addressing the allegations, and it remains unclear whether he plans to respond publicly. The situation continues to dominate conversations across social media, with many Nigerians expressing shock that the co-founder of one of the country’s most celebrated startups is at the center of such controversy.
The coming days are likely to determine whether the police will formally initiate an investigation and how the outcome may affect both Paystack’s leadership structure and broader discussions about accountability in Nigeria’s tech industry.
