Nigerian businessman extends employee's suspension after she smiles and wears earpods at disciplinary meeting, prompting online discussion

A Nigerian entrepreneur, Sam Ekpewheni, has generated widespread online discussion by announcing that he lengthened the suspension of a female employee who had been disrespectful toward her manager. In a sequence of social media posts, Ekpewheni explained that the woman had already received a two-week suspension and had been scheduled to return on September 21. But before she could resume her duties in full, she was required to appear in person before a panel composed of her superiors. He stated that after the employee met with the panel, he was invited to join the proceedings virtually, and the sight that greeted him was off-putting. According to Ekpewheni, the woman had earpods in her ears and was smiling as she stood before the panel. He said this angered him, leading him to extend her suspension right away. The move has set off a debate online. Some internet users criticized the woman for failing to conduct herself appropriately before the panel. Others contended that Ekpewheni was acting as though he were "god," and they asked why she should not be allowed to smile or wear earphones.