Earlier this morning, news filtered from US media that the body of Fahim Saleh, the co-founder of bike ride-sharing startup, Gokada had been found dismembered and decapitated in his New York flat. The Police made the grisly discovery in a building on E. Houston St. at Suffolk St. on the Lower Eastside at about 3:30 p.m. Contractor bags were found near the torso bringing to mind the gruesome murder of Saudi journalist, Jamal Khashoggi.
Per their account, surveillance footage suggests that the victim was followed into an elevator by another man dressed in a suit, wearing gloves, a hat and mask over his face. After the victim walked out onto his floor, he fell immediately indicating he might have been shot or stunned.
The NYPD was tipped off after receiving a 911 call from the victim’s sister. Her call had been inspired by not hearing from him in a day.
The condo which Saleh had posted on his social media platforms was purchased last year for $2.25m
My home ♥️ #nyc https://t.co/qVS69x2W5z pic.twitter.com/qnRg4S0YKR
— Fahim Saleh (@fahims) December 17, 2019
Who was Fahim Saleh?
In the Nigerian tech scene, Saleh was best known for founding Gokada and acting as its CEO as it sought to dominate and innovate the mobility sector in Nigeria despite having no prior relationship with the country.
Originally from Bangladesh and educated in the US, the entrepreneur had previously founded and exited Pathao, an on-demand digital platform, and transportation network company in his home country.
Gokada had made the news earlier in the year when the Lagos state government dealt it a hammer blow by banning commercial bike riding leading it to pivot to a logistics company and laying staff off after Saleh had pleaded publicly via an Instagram video. With Saleh’s death, it remains to be seen how the company will survive and navigate the loss of its founder and primary leader.
It is also hoped that the NYPD can get to the root of the motive and consequently, offer closure for his loved ones.