Former Assistant who Killed, Dismembered Gokada Founder Sentenced to 40 Years in Jail

Tyrese Haspil, the former personal assistant of Fahim Saleh, founder of the Nigerian-based motorcycle ride-hailing startup Gokada, has been sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for his role in the brutal murder and dismemberment of his ex-boss. The sentencing took place on Tuesday, marking the conclusion of a high-profile case that shocked the tech world in 2020.

Haspil, 25, was convicted of multiple charges in June, including murder and grand larceny, following the killing of Saleh in July 2020. The court found that Haspil had stolen approximately $400,000 from Saleh over the course of his employment, and his crime was motivated by fear of discovery after continuing to embezzle even after being given a second chance.

According to prosecutors, Haspil had been employed by Saleh as a personal assistant but began siphoning funds from his employer’s businesses soon after being hired. Despite the theft, Saleh, known for his generosity, allowed Haspil to repay the stolen money over two years to avoid legal action. However, Haspil resumed stealing and eventually resorted to murder out of concern that Saleh would uncover his ongoing fraud.

On July 13, 2020, Haspil followed Saleh into the elevator of his Manhattan luxury apartment, attacking him with a Taser and fatally stabbing him when they reached Saleh’s home. The following day, Haspil returned to the scene with an electric saw, dismembering Saleh’s body. However, his plan was interrupted when he had to leave to purchase a charger for the saw, and Saleh’s cousin discovered the gruesome scene during Haspil’s absence.

Haspil was arrested shortly afterward and has since been held accountable for what prosecutors described as a premeditated and cold-blooded killing.

“Today, Tyrese Haspil is facing accountability for brutally murdering and decapitating Fahim Saleh, a kind, generous, and empathetic person who positively impacted the world,” said Manhattan District Attorney Alvin Bragg in a statement following the sentencing. “Even after the defendant stole from him to fund a lavish lifestyle, Mr. Saleh still gave him a second chance. While today’s sentence won’t bring Mr. Saleh back, I hope it provides his family a sense of closure as they continue to mourn his painful loss.”

The case attracted global attention due to Saleh’s success in the tech world, particularly in Nigeria, where Gokada had become a well-known name in the transportation sector.