Fintech Shockwave: Paystack Suspends Ezra Olubi After Explosive Paedophilia & Bestiality Tweet Scandal

In a dramatic turn of events, Paystack — the Nigerian fintech darling backed by Stripe — has suspended its co‑founder and Chief Technology Officer, Ezra Olubi, following a wave of disturbing allegations. The decision, announced on November 14, 2025, comes after resurfaced old tweets from Olubi’s now-deactivated X (formerly Twitter) account ignited public fury, and a subordinate accused him of sexual misconduct.

Paystack confirmed that it has opened a formal internal investigation. “We take matters of this nature extremely seriously,” the company stated, suspending Olubi from all duties while the inquiry proceeds. The fintech firm added that its review process is “fair, transparent, and structured,” consistent with its values around workplace safety and respect.

The uproar erupted after a former partner, known online as Max “Maki” Obae, publicly detailed her experience in an X Space session. Obae, who said she was 19 when she first met Olubi, alleged that he was sexually involved with a female subordinate — a relationship she characterized as ethically fraught due to the power imbalance. She described the relationship as psychologically abusive, claiming Olubi cultivated what she called a “cult‑leader” dynamic within his circle, where dissent was not tolerated and his way was “the only correct way.”

At the same time, social media users flooded X with screenshots of archived tweets allegedly posted by Olubi between 2009 and 2013. These posts include shocking content: sexual jokes about colleagues, references to minors, sexualized anime characters, and disturbing mentions of bestiality. One of the most widely shared tweets, dated May 23, 2011, read: “Monday will be more fun with an ‘a’ in it. Touch a coworker today. Inappropriately.” Other posts allegedly talk about “being deprived of watching 16‑year-olds’ nudes” and even mention contracting sexually transmitted diseases from his cat.

The magnitude of the outrage has been fueled by both the content of the tweets and the moral implications — many have called for a legal investigation, pointing out that such comments could amount to criminal behavior under Nigerian law. On X, users are demanding accountability, with some calling for the revocation of Olubi’s national honor (he was awarded the Officer of the Order of the Niger, OON).

Paystack, for its part, has stated that it will withhold further public comment until its internal inquiry is complete. Observers are watching closely: as a high-profile leader in African tech, Olubi’s conduct and the company’s response could have ripple effects beyond just Paystack — touching on broader questions of leadership, culture, and accountability in startups.

Olubi, meanwhile, has stayed silent publicly. His main X account was deactivated on November 13, a day after the scandal hit its peak. For now, Paystack must navigate the fallout, balancing transparency with due process — all under the glare of a public that seems less willing than ever to excuse powerful men.