A New York court has sentenced Tyrese Haspil, a 25-year-old American, to 40 years to life in prison for the brutal murder of Fahim Saleh, the founder and CEO of Nigerian transportation company, Gokada. Haspil, who had worked as Saleh’s executive assistant, was convicted of killing his former boss to cover up his embezzlement of nearly $400,000.
Haspil was found guilty by a New York State Supreme Court jury two months ago of first-degree murder, second-degree grand larceny, and other charges. Surveillance footage captured Haspil following Saleh into his Lower Manhattan apartment building on July 13, 2020, before deploying a taser and stabbing him to death. The following day, Haspil returned to dismember and decapitate Saleh’s body in a failed attempt to cover his tracks.
According to the Manhattan District Attorney, Alvin Bragg Jr., Saleh had discovered the theft but gave Haspil a second chance despite the betrayal. Bragg said, “Today, Tyrese Haspil is facing accountability for brutally murdering and decapitating Fahim Saleh, a kind, generous, and empathetic person who positively impacted the world.”
The Gokada founder’s cousin discovered Saleh’s remains after growing concerned when she hadn’t heard from him. Haspil fled the scene but was arrested four days later at an Airbnb rented for his girlfriend’s birthday. Prosecutors revealed that Haspil had been plotting the murder for months, hoping to prevent Saleh from testifying about the embezzlement.
Following Saleh’s death, Gokada issued a statement commemorating his commitment to Nigeria’s youth, highlighting his belief in their potential and the role of technology in transforming lives. Saleh’s tragic death marked a profound loss for the Nigerian tech industry, where he had made significant contributions through Gokada.
