Group calls for police probe into allegations against Paystack co-founder
The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has called on the police to investigate the sexual misconduct allegations levelled against Paystack co-founder, Ezra Olubi, after the company suspended him over claims of inappropriate behaviour.
Public outrage erupted on Friday when the Stripe-owned Nigerian payments firm announced Olubi’s suspension following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a subordinate.
The controversy was sparked on Wednesday after a woman who previously had a relationship with Olubi took to social media to voice personal grievances.
Her post drew renewed attention to a series of old tweets allegedly linked to Olubi from 2009 and 2013, which users said contained sexually suggestive comments involving colleagues and minors.
The uproar reignited debates about accountability, personal conduct, and how past online posts can affect public figures. Olubi has since deactivated his X account.
TechCabal reported on Friday that Paystack 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 in a statement to TechCabal.
The firm added that it would not make further comments while the investigation remains ongoing.
Speaking to Punch, CACOL’s Executive Director, Debo Adeniran, said the allegations—judging by the public reaction online—raise serious moral and criminal concerns.
Adeniran described the matter as “moral corruption,” stressing that individuals in executive positions must be “above board in all his or her conduct.”
He noted that while consensual relationships between adults are not criminal, the situation becomes entirely 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.
He added that the law does not recognise minors as capable of consenting to such encounters.
“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 stated.
Adeniran also criticised any delay by the company in informing authorities if underage individuals were 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.
He emphasised the need for a comprehensive police investigation to establish the facts and ensure accountability if any criminal violations are confirmed.
