Formerly regarded as the most valuable startup in Africa, Flutterwave has become entangled in a number of controversies that have rocked the finance sector. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, Olugbenga Agboola, and Adeleke Adekoya launched the business in 2016, and it provides payment infrastructure to worldwide retailers and payment service providers across Africa. But recent claims of wrongdoing and unethical behaviour have seriously tarnished the company’s worth and reputation.
On the night of Sunday, March 20, 2022, a certain WhatsApp group buzzed incessantly. Whispers of an imminent exposé that could shake the Nigerian tech landscape circulated. The subject was Nigeria’s highest-valued tech unicorn, Flutterwave, and the journalist behind it was known for his incisive reporting. This news set off alarm bells, triggering a flurry of defensive maneuvers among the company’s PR and legal teams.
The Preemptive Strike
A WhatsApp group dedicated to Nigerian Tech PR and networking became the epicenter for Flutterwave’s preemptive response. Lawyers were consulted, journalists were briefed, and a press release was hastily prepared. At this stage, the story consisted of several call transcripts, Google Keep notes, a 55MB folder of documents, and a rough draft in the journalist’s head. Despite no story materializing in the following days, Flutterwave’s PR machinery remained in high gear.
Former employees were contacted, and conversations were scrutinized. Flutterwave’s ex-staff who had been in touch with the journalist started receiving calls from the company, inquiring about their interactions. Flutterwave’s paranoia was palpable, culminating in a press release that sought to address the journalist’s probing questions about stock option fraud, sexual harassment, and workplace bullying.
The Scandal Unfolds
Olugbenga Agboola, the CEO and co-founder of Flutterwave, was accused of misbehaviour and inappropriate behaviour toward female employees. These claims were made public in April 2022. There have been reports of sexual harassment, intimidation, and bullying at work from both present and former employees. Due to allegations that the CEO had inappropriate relationships with female coworkers, the company’s corporate governance was seriously questioned and a wider probe into its operations was launched.
Market Impact
Significant consequences of the incident were a decline in the company’s stock price and a decline in partner and customer trust. Competitors of Flutterwave used this as a chance to draw in clients who were departing. Customers’ and investors’ confidence in Flutterwave was severely eroded, raising questions about the company’s moral character and the security of their money and personal data.
Broader Issues
Along with exposing deeper problems within the organization, the controversy also included claims of insider trading, fraud, and perjury. Jennifer, Ose, and Temi, three former workers, talked about their experiences with financial misconduct, corporate espionage, and compromised integrity. Concerns over Flutterwave’s future viability and financial integrity were raised by these testimonies, which alluded to a web of dishonesty where investors’ incentives collided with moral bounds.
Legal and Regulatory Challenges
A Kenyan High Court temporarily blocked 45 bank accounts and 10 MPesa mobile money wallets that belonged to Flutterwave in June 2023. This was done in response to a petition that more than 2,000 investors had filed, alleging that Flutterwave had conspired with 86 Football Technology, a sports betting company, to swindle them out of $12.04 million. The accounts were stopped as a necessary step in a civil proceeding, according to Flutterwave, which refuted the accusations.
The Two-Tail Deception
Subsequent research showed that GB continued to work for Access Bank while developing Flutterwave, utilizing the institution’s resources to help his firm. Insider dealing was committed by GB in this covert dual job since he used information and assets to further his own interests. According to messages the writer received, GB instructed staff members to represent Access Bank while advancing Flutterwave’s objectives.
SEC Participation and Refusals
These practices were brought to the attention of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) in 2018. Herbert Wigwe, Iyin Aboyeji, and GB are said to have testified under oath, refuting GB’s dual function. A possible open investigation of Flutterwave was suggested by the SEC’s failure to divulge records under the Freedom of Information Act, citing an exemption relating to current investigations.
Recovery Efforts
Flutterwave’s business has grown in spite of the controversies. The corporation revealed three potential business-growth partnerships in June 2023. Among these were partnerships with Token.io, Audiomack, and Microsoft to enable Azure transactions throughout Africa. But according to experts, Flutterwave is nearly too large to fail given its size and significance in the African tech scene, thus despite negative publicity and legal challenges, it will probably succeed.
The company’s worth and reputation have taken a serious hit as a result of the Flutterwave controversy. There are now major questions regarding the company’s corporate governance and ethical standards because of the claims of wrongdoing and inappropriate activity. Notwithstanding these obstacles, Flutterwave keeps running and growing its company with the goal of overcoming the difficulties and preserving its place as a major participant in the finance scene in Africa.
Which charges against Flutterwave’s CEO were the principal ones?
Olugbenga Agboola, the CEO of Flutterwave, is accused of the following principal offences:
Financial Impropriety and Conflict of Interest:
Agboola was accused of selling employees who wished to cash in on their vested options shares at a price below the company’s valuation and of fabricating a phantom co-founder in order to gain additional ownership in the company’s early years. These shares supposedly ended up in an investment vehicle under Agboola’s control.
Bullying and Harassment:
Clara Wanjiku Odero, a former employee, charged Agboola with harassment and bullying. She said that the corporation failed to pay her when she sought for her dues, but that they eventually agreed to a settlement after she threatened to sue. Agboola also allegedly used her introduction to a Nigerian bank as a cover for her poor work performance.
Sexual Abuse:
Agboola was charged with inappropriate behaviour involving female coworkers. He was accused by former coworkers of having consensual relationships with at least two female coworkers, one of whom reported to him. Additionally, it was alleged that he approached at least one female employee inappropriately for sex.
Fraud and Incompetence in Management:
Allegations of fraud were made against Flutterwave, including one instance in which the business accepted funds for fictitious sex parties in Kenya. Iyinoluwa Aboyeji, the company’s former CEO, was taken into custody by Nigerian authorities on suspicion of fraud involving a card transaction.
Untrustworthy Business Methods:
Agboola was charged with unfairly utilizing his resources and position at Access Bank by failing to disclose that he was also employed there while developing Flutterwave.
The reputation of Flutterwave has been severely harmed by these accusations, which have also sparked numerous inquiries and legal challenges.
How did Clara Wanjiku Odero’s lawsuit against Flutterwave turn out?
The following are the salient details of the resolution of Clara Wanjiku Odero’s case against Flutterwave, as per the search results:
- Odero filed a lawsuit against Flutterwave, alleging that the company should have removed Odero’s contact information from their M-Pesa account after she departed. As a result, there were problems where Odero and her family were accused by the police of using that account fraudulently.
- Odero filed an appeal after the court first gave her a $2,500 settlement because she was unhappy with the sum. “I got a settlement that I thought was too small, I appealed, and the matter is still in court,” reads the search results.
- The conclusion or decision of Odero’s appeal of the initial $2,500 settlement is not disclosed in the search results. It looks that the case is still pending in court.
- The search results suggest that regulatory scrutiny and measures against the corporation could be influenced by Odero’s case against Flutterwave. As mentioned: “The case’s conclusion may also affect regulatory…”
Odero received a tiny amount of compensation from Flutterwave at first, but she challenged the amount, and the matter is currently pending in court. Based on the data in the search results, the ultimate result is still unclear.
What is Flutterwave?
Flutterwave is a fintech company that provides payment infrastructure for global merchants and payment service providers. Established in 2016, Flutterwave’s platform enables businesses to make and accept payments from customers anywhere in the world using a variety of payment methods including cards, mobile wallets, and bank transfers.
Who Owns Flutterwave?
Flutterwave is a privately held company. It was co-founded by Olugbenga Agboola and Iyinoluwa Aboyeji. The ownership structure includes various private investors, venture capital firms, and the company’s founders and employees who hold equity.
Who is the CEO of Flutterwave?
According of the latest information available, Olugbenga Agboola serves as the CEO of Flutterwave. He co-founded the company and has been instrumental in its growth and expansion.
How does Flutterwave work?
Flutterwave provides a comprehensive payment platform that facilitates transactions between businesses and their customers. Here’s how it works:
- Integration: Businesses integrate Flutterwave’s API into their websites or mobile applications.
- Payment Acceptance: Customers choose their preferred payment method (cards, bank transfers, mobile money, etc.).
- Transaction Processing: Flutterwave processes the payment securely and efficiently.
- Settlement: Funds are settled into the business’s account in the local currency.
How to Pay with Flutterwave
To pay with Flutterwave, follow these steps:
- Select Payment Method: Choose Flutterwave as the payment option on the merchant’s website or app.
- Enter Payment Details: Provide your card information, bank details, or mobile money credentials.
- Confirm Payment: Authenticate the payment through OTP (One-Time Password) or other verification methods.
- Receive Confirmation: Get a confirmation of the successful transaction.
What is Flutterwave Payment?
Flutterwave Payment refers to the service provided by Flutterwave that allows businesses to accept and process payments from customers globally. This service includes various payment methods and ensures secure and quick transactions.
What is Flutterwave Used For?
Flutterwave is used for facilitating online and offline payments. Its use cases include:
- E-commerce transactions
- Payment processing for services
- Cross-border remittances
- Mobile money operations
- Subscription billing
How Does Flutterwave…
Flutterwave operates by providing a robust API and suite of tools that businesses can use to accept payments, make payouts, and manage financial transactions seamlessly. It integrates with multiple payment methods and currencies, making it versatile for various markets.
Who is the CEO of Flutterwave?
The CEO of Flutterwave is Olugbenga Agboola.
Who Owns Flutterwave?
Flutterwave is owned by its co-founders, private investors, venture capital firms, and employees who hold equity in the company.