Former Paystack co-founder Ezra Olubi has demanded ₦140 million in damages from journalist David Hundeyin over social media posts he says damaged his reputation, setting off a legal dispute that is drawing renewed attention to free speech and accountability in Nigeria’s tech space.
The lawsuit centres on tweets that referenced allegations surrounding Olubi’s conduct and his exit from Paystack. Olubi argues that the posts were defamatory and harmful to his personal and professional standing, while the case itself has reopened public debate about how reputational disputes are handled in the age of social media.
The lawsuit comes against the backdrop of Olubi’s controversial exit from Paystack. In October 2024, Paystack announced that it had terminated Olubi’s employment following allegations of “serial misconduct.” The company said the decision followed an internal review, a development that significantly reshaped Olubi’s public standing within Nigeria’s tech ecosystem.
Hundeyin’s comments, which are central to the lawsuit, referenced issues surrounding those allegations and Olubi’s departure from the company. Legal analysts say this context will be crucial to the case, especially in determining whether the statements fall within the boundaries of public interest reporting or cross into defamatory territory.
An analysis examined whether Hundeyin’s defence could be legally viable, noting that Nigerian defamation law allows room for justification, fair comment, and truth, particularly where the subject matter involves a public figure and issues of public concern. However, the publication also noted that courts have increasingly been willing to award substantial damages where reputational harm is proven.
The case has also reignited discussion about Olubi’s fall from grace in Nigeria’s startup scene. Once celebrated as a key figure behind one of Africa’s most successful fintech companies, Olubi’s reputation has been reshaped by public allegations, media scrutiny, and now, litigation.
Commentary on platforms like Medium reflects how sharply divided public opinion has become. Some see the lawsuit as an attempt to defend personal reputation, while others argue it risks chilling investigative journalism and public commentary around powerful figures in the tech industry.
Beyond the individuals involved, the case highlights a broader shift in Nigeria’s digital space. As social media increasingly shapes public narratives, disputes that once played out quietly are now unfolding in courtrooms, with significant financial and legal consequences.
For journalists, the lawsuit underscores the risks involved in reporting on high-profile figures, even when stories are tied to corporate disclosures and public records. For tech leaders and founders, it raises questions about reputation management, accountability, and how disputes are best handled in an era of instant public scrutiny.
As the case progresses, legal observers say it could become an important test of how Nigerian courts balance reputation, free expression, and the public’s right to scrutinise influential figures.
