By Samuel Adeola

Human rights lawyer Deji Adeyanju has called on the Nigeria Police Force to open an investigation into Paystack co-founder Ezra Olubi over allegations of sexual misconduct.

In a statement posted on X on Friday, Adeyanju said the police do not need a formal petition to act, noting that Nigerian laws empower them to investigate suspected offences.

He cited provisions of the Criminal Code, Child Rights Act, VAPP Act and Cybercrimes Act covering sexual offences, voyeurism, and harassment.

His call follows reports that Paystack, owned by Stripe, suspended Olubi after allegations involving a subordinate went viral on November 12. The company confirmed it had launched a formal investigation.

The controversy escalated after decade-old tweets allegedly linked to Olubi resurfaced, containing sexually suggestive comments about colleagues, minors, and anime characters.

Adeyanju argued that while old tweets may not constitute conclusive evidence, they can trigger police action.

He noted, however, that securing convictions may be difficult without complainants.

By Onilede Titi Faith

Paystack has suspended its co-founder and Chief Technology Officer, Ezra Olubi, over allegations of sexual misconduct involving a subordinate.

The controversy began after Olubi’s former partner shared complaints on social media, prompting renewed attention to old tweets from 2009 to 2013 in which he allegedly made sexually suggestive comments about colleagues and minors. Olubi has since deactivated his X account.

Some of the resurfaced tweets sparked widespread outrage, including remarks about female friends and inappropriate comments referencing minors and coworkers.

According to TechCabal, Paystack confirmed it has opened a formal investigation.

“Effective immediately, Ezra has been suspended from all duties pending the outcome of a formal investigation,” the company said, adding that it would not comment further until the process is concluded.

Olubi co-founded Paystack in 2015 with Shola Akinlade.

The company was acquired by Stripe in 2020 for over $200 million.

By Onilede Titi Faith

Nigeria’s First Lady, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, has urged participants of the Renewed Hope Initiative (RHI)/Huawei Women in Tech training to apply their digital skills toward solving community challenges and driving innovation.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the programme in Abuja, Mrs. Tinubu encouraged the 300 beneficiaries drawn from the six geopolitical zones to continue learning and adapting to new technological trends.

“Use your new skills to solve real problems in your communities because true innovation is only valuable when it improves lives,” she said, while appreciating Huawei Nigeria for partnering with RHI to empower women.

She noted that the training aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritises women’s empowerment, inclusive growth, and digital transformation.

Huawei Nigeria’s Managing Director, Chris Lu, described the initiative as a step toward placing women at the forefront of the global digital economy, adding, “When women rise, nations thrive.”

The Women in Tech programme, held between April and October 2024, equipped participants with practical digital skills to enhance their businesses and participation in Nigeria’s digital economy.