Paystack, the Nigerian payments company owned by Stripe, has suspended its co founder and chief technology officer, Ezra Olubi, following serious allegations of s3xual misconduct involving a subordinate. The development came after an accusation began circulating widely on social media on Wednesday, November 12, 2025.

 

 

 

The company confirmed the suspension, explaining that it has opened a formal investigation. According to Paystack, Olubi will not carry out any duties or represent the company until the process is concluded.

 

 

 

“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 released on Wednesday night.

 

 

 

Paystack added that it would not comment further until the investigation is complete, out of respect for the individuals involved and to preserve the integrity of the review.

 

 

 

The renewed attention on Olubi came not only because of the allegation but also because dozens of his decade old tweets resurfaced online on Thursday. Many of the posts, written between 2009 and 2013, contained s3xually explicit remarks about colleagues, minors, and references to s3xualised anime characters.

 

 

 

In one tweet from 2011, he joked about having an erection during a meeting. In another, he described wanting to secretly photograph a colleague’s thighs. Several others referenced minors in s3xually inappropriate contexts. These screenshots circulated quickly across social media, triggering widespread public outrage and calls for accountability.

 

 

 

Olubi has not publicly commented on the allegations or the resurfaced tweets. He also deactivated his X account on Wednesday, November 12, shortly after the controversy escalated.

 

 

 

The situation comes at a time when the African tech ecosystem has been confronting multiple cases of misconduct involving senior executives. Only last month, a Kenyan court fined Oscar Limoke, the chief executive of Pawa IT Solutions, for s3xual harassment and assault in a case that forced a staff member to resign.

 

 

 

Paystack remains one of the most influential tech companies on the continent. Founded in 2015, it became one of the first African startups to be backed by Y Combinator, and its 2020 sale to Stripe for two hundred million dollars is still considered one of Africa’s biggest exits. Because of its size, reputation, and its deep ties to the global payments giant Stripe, this investigation is being closely watched.

 

 

 

The controversy has also sparked questions about leadership accountability, corporate governance in high trust tech companies, and how organisations enforce professional standards, especially when senior executives are involved.

 

 

 

Paystack said its investigation would follow a clear and transparent review process based on its internal policies and values, adding that the company remains committed to maintaining a safe and respectful workplace.

 

 

 

Stripe, Paystack’s parent company, has

not yet responded to requests for comment.