The Centre for Anti-Corruption and Open Leadership (CACOL) has urged the police to launch a full investigation into the sexual-misconduct allegations levelled against Paystack co-founder, Ezra Olubi, who was suspended by the company on Friday following public outcry.
The controversy erupted earlier in the week after a woman who once had a personal relationship with Olubi took to social media to share grievances about him. Her post triggered renewed scrutiny of a series of old tweets, allegedly from Olubi’s account, containing sexually suggestive remarks from as far back as 2009 to 2013 — including comments involving colleagues and minors.
The resurfaced posts stirred widespread criticism online and prompted Olubi to deactivate his X (formerly Twitter) account. Some of the tweets that went viral included:
- “I judge my female friends by the sound their pee make…”
- “Save water. Take a bath with your neighbour’s daughter.”
- “Touch a coworker today. Inappropriately.”
Paystack Confirms Suspension and Investigation
In a statement to TechCabal on Friday, the Stripe-owned payments company confirmed that it had suspended Olubi “with immediate effect” pending the outcome of 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,” the statement said.
The company added that it would refrain from further public comment “out of respect for all individuals involved and to protect the integrity of the investigative process.”
CACOL: Allegations Raise Serious Moral and Criminal Concerns
Speaking to Saturday PUNCH, CACOL’s Executive Director, Debo Adeniran, said the allegations — and the intense reactions they drew on social media — raise significant ethical and potentially criminal questions.
Adeniran described the controversy as “moral corruption,” stressing that leaders in executive positions must uphold exemplary conduct.
He noted that while relationships between consenting adults do not constitute a crime, the situation becomes criminal if any interaction involves a minor.
“If it is with minors, anybody under 18, then it is a criminal offence. Once it involves an underage girl, the police should step in and ensure justice is done,” Adeniran said.
He emphasised that under the law, a minor cannot be held responsible for such encounters.
“A minor is not capable of seducing an adult who is conscious of his integrity,” he added, insisting that the police must investigate thoroughly.
Adeniran also faulted any delay in reporting to law enforcement if underage victims are involved.
“The company itself should have handed him over to the police for investigation without waiting for parents or guardians of the minor to complain,” he said.
Public Reaction: Debate on Morality, Genius, and Accountability
The allegations — still unproven and under internal investigation by Paystack — ignited heated debates online about personal conduct, workplace ethics, and the limits of separating “genius” from character.
Presidential aide on Research and Analytics, Gimba Kakanda, criticised cultural tendencies that excuse unconventional behaviour in highly talented individuals.
Another X user, @EmperorTwiTs, questioned how Olubi — a 2022 national honouree — passed through screening processes, asking whether the Presidency would have bestowed the honour had these concerns been known earlier.
Similarly, @realanitaoluwo described Olubi as a “textbook sociopath,” citing a perceived lack of empathy and alleged manipulative tendencies.
The matter continues to generate intense discussion as the official investigation progresses.