A new social-media account has gone viral after Nigerian writer Martin Beck Nworah publicly advised high-achieving professionals to “avoid social climbers… especially if they are from poor homes,” using the unfolding Ezra Olubi scandal as a cautionary tale. Viral Post Suggests Dating People from Poor Homes Source of Ezra Olubi’s Troubles
The post has intensified online debate around the suspended Paystack CTO, adding personal allegations that go beyond what has so far been confirmed by Paystack or mainstream reporting.
A Story of Friendship, Romance and a $55,000 Loan — Nworah’s Version
In the long Facebook post, Nworah narrates what he describes as a decade-long arc of intertwined friendship, romance and financial entanglement involving Ezra, a woman he identifies as Max/Amaka, and another partner referred to as NK.
According to his account:
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Max began interacting with Ezra Olubi on Twitter around 2011.
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The interactions evolved into a friendship and later a relationship.
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The relationship took the form of a “polycule,” involving Ezra, Max and NK.
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In 2021, Max allegedly asked Ezra for a $55,000 loan to pay her brother’s school fees abroad.
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Ezra allegedly gave the money at zero interest.
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After the relationship reportedly broke down, Max proposed to repay the loan by 2027/28, a repayment plan Ezra accepted.
None of these financial or personal claims have been independently verified.
From Romance to Public Accusations
Nworah claims that after the breakup, Max publicly accused Ezra of misogyny (“mis ogene”), posting details of their relationship online.
Shortly after, older posts attributed to Ezra — some containing disturbing sexual references — resurfaced on Twitter, triggering widespread public criticism.
These resurfaced posts, according to Nworah, “started circulating again,” contributing to the pressure that led to Ezra’s suspension.
Suspension From Paystack
Paystack, valued at over $200 million and acquired by Stripe in 2020, confirmed on Friday that Ezra Olubi has been suspended pending an independent investigation.
The company did not respond to the specific personal allegations referenced in Nworah’s post.
Nworah’s Warning: ‘Avoid Social Climbers Especially If They Are From Poor Homes’
What made the post go viral was not only the details of the alleged loan and relationship dynamic, but the blunt moral advice with which Nworah ended his story:
“You can still appear normal, do normal things and achieve extraordinary results.
And after achieving extraordinary results in your life, avoid social climbers especially if they are from poor homes.”
The remark has triggered intense debate online, with many Nigerians accusing the writer of class prejudice, while others argued he was highlighting a recurring risk faced by wealthy or high-status individuals.
The Ezra Debate: Talent, Scandal and Social Commentary
Ezra Olubi — widely regarded as one of Nigeria’s most visible tech founders — has long attracted attention for both his unconventional personal expression and his achievements as co-founder of Paystack, one of Africa’s biggest fintech success stories.
The allegations and subsequent suspension have now placed him at the centre of one of the most widely discussed tech-culture controversies in recent Nigerian history.
Nworah himself concedes that his account represents only one version of events:
“There are different sides to this story and I will let you make up your mind.”
Ongoing Investigation, Multiple Narratives
As of now, the only verifiable development remains Paystack’s statement confirming an investigation.
The detailed personal claims in Nworah’s post — including the $55,000 loan, repayment plan, and polyamorous relationship structure — remain unverified.
However, the viral reaction shows that the Ezra Olubi controversy has evolved beyond a corporate disciplinary matter into a broader cultural conversation about relationships, wealth, class mobility, and the dangers of entangling personal and financial boundaries.
