Tyrese Haspil, a 25-year-old American, has been sentenced to 40 years to life in prison for the murder of Fahim Saleh, the founder and CEO of Nigerian transportation company Gokada. Haspil, who worked as Saleh’s executive assistant, was found guilty of first-degree murder, second-degree grand larceny, and other charges.
According to prosecutors, Haspil had been embezzling funds from Saleh and killed him to avoid being caught. Surveillance footage showed Haspil entering Saleh’s apartment building, deploying a taser, and stabbing him repeatedly. Haspil then dismembered and decapitated Saleh’s body, placing the remains in construction bags.
Saleh’s cousin discovered the body and notified the police. Haspil was arrested four days later and had plotted to murder Saleh at least three times before carrying out the crime. The district attorney’s office reported that Haspil embezzled an estimated $400,000 from Saleh.
Gokada issued a statement after Saleh’s passing, describing his dedication to Nigeria and its youth as “immeasurable.” Saleh built Gokada to transform lives and improve safety and efficiency through technology.
The sentencing brings closure to Saleh’s family, who mourn the loss of a kind, generous, and empathetic person. The case highlights the consequences of embezzlement and the devastating impact of violence.
