Kuda Technologies, one of Africa’s leading digital banking platforms, is facing serious allegations of workplace discrimination, harassment, and wrongful termination. The claims have been brought forward by its former Group Chief People Officer (CPO), Rosemary Hewat, who has filed a case with the UK Employment Tribunal against both the company and its CEO, Babatunde Ogundeyi.

Hewat, who held her position for nearly three years before her departure in April 2024, alleges that she was forced out after enduring persistent mistreatment. The case accuses Kuda of sex discrimination, victimization, and unfair dismissal. In response to inquiries from Nairametrics, Kuda confirmed the existence of the legal proceedings but declined to provide further comments, citing privacy policies and the ongoing nature of the case.

According to Hewat’s filing, she experienced a toxic work environment that contradicted Kuda’s stated Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) policies. She claims that CEO Ogundeyi and other senior executives consistently undermined her role and fostered a culture of intimidation and misogyny. One of the key incidents cited occurred in December 2023 at a company retreat in Lagos, where Ogundeyi allegedly berated two female employees, calling them “low class” and questioning their “quality or luxury,” leaving them visibly distressed. She also alleges that Ogundeyi referred to himself as “God” within the company and claimed employees were too afraid to approach him.

Hewat further asserts that she was systematically excluded from key strategic discussions, with then-COO Pavel Khristolubov bypassing her and working directly with her team members. When she raised concerns, Ogundeyi reportedly dismissed them, exacerbating the workplace hostility.

Another major dispute in Hewat’s case revolves around her employee stock options (ESOP). She claims that while she was initially offered stock at Kuda’s Series A valuation upon joining in 2021, she never received formal documentation. When the ESOP grant was eventually issued in April 2022, it was adjusted to the higher Series B valuation, effectively reducing the value of her shares. She argues that then-CFO Steven Bastian was allowed to maintain his stock at the Series A price, but her request for the same treatment was denied, with Ogundeyi allegedly stating that Bastian’s role was “more important” than hers.

Hewat also claims her dismissal in February 2024 was retaliatory. While traveling to Lagos for an Executive Committee (ExCo) retreat, she was allegedly fired via a video call and barred from attending the retreat. Kuda cited Nigeria’s economic instability and cost-cutting measures as reasons for her termination, but Hewat insists that it was linked to her prior discrimination complaints. She also disputes the severance terms, arguing that she was offered the same exit package as Khristolubov, despite the difference in their employment status—she was a full-time employee, while he was a contractor.

This lawsuit has put Kuda under intense scrutiny, especially given the company’s rapid expansion and its $55 million Series B funding round in 2021. The case highlights growing concerns about workplace culture and corporate governance within Africa’s tech industry, reminiscent of past allegations against other high-profile startups, such as Flutterwave in 2022.