Suspended Paystack Co-founder Ezra Olubi’s Old Tweet Claiming HIV and Hepatitis B Diagnosis Resurfaces Amid Scandal
Suspended Paystack co-founder Ezra Olubi is once again at the center of controversy as an old tweet in which he claimed he was diagnosed with HIV and Hepatitis B has resurfaced online.
The post—shared several years ago on his X (formerly Twitter) account—reemerged amid renewed public scrutiny following allegations of sexual misconduct tied to old tweets he made between 2009 and 2013.
Olubi was recently suspended by Paystack after several troubling tweets from that era resurfaced, including posts containing sexually explicit comments, inappropriate references to minors, and remarks involving sexualized anime characters.
One of the resurfaced tweets that stirred reactions read:
“Last time I felt this way and went to the hospital for a general checkup, I was diagnosed as both HIV+ and with Hepatitis B.”
The authenticity of his diagnosis has not been independently verified, but the resurfacing of such a sensitive personal revelation—alongside allegations of misconduct—has intensified the ongoing public debate surrounding his character, past behavior, and Paystack’s response to the controversy.
Opinion: A Sobering Reminder About Digital Footprints and the Complexity of Public Figures
The story of Ezra Olubi is a stark reminder of how the internet never forgets.
Old posts—no matter how reckless, immature, or out of context—can return years later to shape public perception in ways that may be difficult to undo.
But there’s another layer here:
the resurfacing of a tweet about HIV and Hepatitis B forces society to confront the uncomfortable intersection between personal health disclosure and public accountability.
On one hand, health status—especially concerning conditions as stigmatized as HIV—deserves privacy and sensitivity. No one should be mocked, shamed, or villainized for a medical condition. On the other hand, health revelations don’t erase the seriousness of the misconduct allegations he faces today.
This situation reveals a deeper truth:
Public figures live in a harsh spotlight—one where past mistakes, personal struggles, and private information can all collide at once.
It also reflects the growing demand for accountability in tech spaces, where leaders are expected to uphold values that reflect the companies they represent. Paystack’s swift action—suspending him while investigations continue—signals how seriously corporate organisations now treat reputational risk and public trust.
Still, this unfolding situation calls for caution:
outrage should not replace due process, and society must be careful not to conflate health status with wrongdoing. Conversations about HIV should be anchored in awareness, not stigma.
Ultimately, this saga sits at the intersection of accountability, privacy, digital history, and mental health—an uncomfortable but necessary conversation in today’s hyper-connected world.
