Surprising Twist Stuns Court In Sentencing Of Gokada Founder Killer

In a surprising twist during the sentencing hearing for Tyrese Haspil, the man convicted of brutally murdering tech entrepreneur Fahim Saleh, the convicted killer defied his own defense strategy. More than two hours into the Manhattan Supreme Court proceeding, Haspil stunned the courtroom by disagreeing with his lawyer’s plea for a reduced sentence, stating, “Unlike my counsel, I don’t think anything less than life without parole would be appropriate.”

Haspil, now 25, had been found guilty of first-degree murder and other charges, including grand larceny and concealment of a human corpse, for the July 2020 killing of Saleh. Haspil had worked as Saleh’s personal assistant before their relationship descended into betrayal, theft, and ultimately murder. He was sentenced Tuesday to 40 years to life in prison.

The Betrayal and the Crime

Saleh, a visionary tech founder, established Gokada, a prominent Nigerian motorcycle ride-hailing company, and was well-known for his innovative contributions to the tech scene. Beyond Gokada, Saleh launched Adventure Capital, a venture fund that supported tech entrepreneurs in developing countries.

The relationship between Saleh and Haspil began in 2018 when the supposed young coding prodigy was hired to manage the entrepreneur’s finances. However, by early 2020, Saleh discovered Haspil had embezzled USD 400 K from him. Instead of turning him over to authorities, Saleh offered Haspil an opportunity to repay the stolen funds, hoping to give him a second chance.

At a June hearing, Haspil admitted he padded his resume to work for Saleh after being fired from a Long Island restaurant for embezzling USD 20 K. He said he needed the money to support his high-maintenance French girlfriend and her lavish lifestyle.

Saleh’s generosity was ultimately met with further betrayal. Unbeknownst to him, Haspil continued to siphon money using a fake PayPal account and devised a plan to kill Saleh before the full extent of his embezzlement could be uncovered.

On July 13, 2020, Haspil, wearing a suit and mask, followed Saleh into his Manhattan apartment, incapacitated him with a Taser, and then fatally stabbed him in the neck and torso. The next day, Haspil returned to dismember Saleh’s body with an electric saw, only to be interrupted when the saw’s battery died and he had to step out to purchase a charger. During his absence, Saleh’s cousin entered the apartment and discovered the gruesome crime scene.

Trial and Conviction

The trial that concluded in June 2024 revealed more details of Haspil’s deception and the cold, calculated nature of his crime. Prosecutors painted a picture of a young man motivated by greed and fear, meticulously researching ways to cover up the murder.

Emails and testimony demonstrated the depth of Haspil’s betrayal. After admitting to the theft, Haspil agreed to repay Saleh, who trusted that his former assistant would make amends. Instead, Haspil plotted the murder while continuing to embezzle. He created a fake PayPal account under the name “Nethertek Switzerland,” further draining funds from Saleh’s accounts.

The defense, led by attorney Sam Roberts, tried to highlight mitigating factors, citing Haspil’s troubled upbringing and trauma from being raised by his grandmother and enduring abuse in foster care. Roberts argued that Haspil, just 19 at the time of the embezzlement, was still maturing. “We fully believe that Tyrese Haspil is not solely and only the worst thing that he’s done in his life,” Roberts stated during the trial.

However, the jury found Haspil guilty of first-degree murder, rejecting the defense’s arguments for leniency. Haspil was also convicted of grand larceny and burglary for his financial crimes.

Sentencing and the Unusual Turn of Events

During the sentencing hearing, Roberts once again sought a lighter punishment, requesting that the court avoid a de facto life sentence. However, in a shocking moment, Haspil contradicted his attorney’s efforts, signalling his acceptance of the gravity of his crime.

Manhattan Supreme Court Justice April Newbauer, in her sentencing, emphasised that greed had driven the young man to commit the murder. “One person had it, another took it and wanted to keep taking it without consequences, at all costs. This is the very essence of greed,” she said.

In her victim impact statement, Saleh’s sister, Rifayat, expressed the devastation that Haspil’s betrayal had caused. “You’re a con man, and you’re a murderer. I have no sympathy for you,” she told the court. Saleh’s father, Ahmed, described the murder as “sickening,” adding, “He should spend the rest of his years in prison where he belongs.”

District Attorney Alvin Bragg also weighed in, noting Saleh’s generosity and the senselessness of the crime. “Even after the defendant stole from him to fund a lavish lifestyle, Mr. Saleh still gave him a second chance,” Bragg said. “This was a kind, generous and empathetic person who positively impacted the world.”

The Legacy of Fahim Saleh

The murder of Fahim Saleh not only robbed the tech world of an innovator but also left a lasting wound in the hearts of those who knew him.

Saleh’s entrepreneurial spirit and philanthropic efforts made a significant impact in Nigeria and beyond. Gokada, once a thriving bike-hailing service in Lagos, represented Saleh’s commitment to solving practical problems through technology. His work through Adventure Capital aimed to empower other tech founders in developing countries, and his legacy as a mentor and visionary lives on.

But the shocking nature of his death continues to overshadow his achievements. Haspil’s conviction and sentencing mark the end of a tragic saga of betrayal and greed, a tale that serves as a painful reminder of the dangers of misplaced trust.

Haspil will serve 40 years to life in prison for the brutal murder of Saleh. The sentencing brings a degree of closure to Saleh’s family and the tech community, but the loss of such a promising and compassionate entrepreneur leaves a void that cannot be filled.