Paystack Suspends Co-Founder Ezra Olubi Over Sexual Misconduct Allegations
The Stripe-owned Nigerian payments company, Paystack, has suspended its Co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Ezra Olubi, following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a subordinate.
The controversy emerged on social media on Wednesday after a former partner of Olubi shared personal grievances online.
The post also drew renewed attention to tweets Olubi made between 2009 and 2013, many of which contained sexually suggestive references to colleagues and minors. Olubi has since deactivated his X account.
Some resurfaced tweets prompted public outrage. One read, “I judge my female friends by the sound of their pee make. Thanks to the audio in my bathroom,” while another stated, “Save water. Take a bath with your neighbour’s daughter.” A tweet from May 23, 2011, encouraged inappropriate contact with a coworker.
TechCabal reported on Friday that Paystack has launched a formal investigation. “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 firm added that it would not offer further comments until the process concludes. “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 stated.
Founded in 2015 by Olubi and Shola Akinlade, Paystack provides payment infrastructure for businesses across Africa.
The company became the first Nigerian startup to join Y Combinator in 2016 and was acquired by global payments firm Stripe in 2020 for over US$200 million. Olubi, as CTO, was instrumental in building the company’s technology and expanding its reach.
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
