Ludacris manager Chaka Zulu charged with June murder outside Atlanta restaurant

Ludacris' longtime manager Chaka Zulu (real name: Ahmed Obafemi) has been arrested for a litany of charges, including murder, on September 13. According to inmate records at the Fulton County, Georgia, jail, Obafemi — who surrendered voluntarily — faces additional charges of aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony and aggravated assault for a June shooting outside the Atlanta restaurant APT 4B that killed 23-year-old Artez Benton. Records show Obafemi tied the knot on the same day.

Late Saturday evening (September 17), Obafemi's attorney, Gabe Banks, issued a statement via Instagram regarding the arrest and insisted that his client was acting in self-defense.

"Mr. Chaka Zulu, the beloved son of the city of Atlanta is disappointed with the Atlanta Police Department's decision to bring charges against him in relation to the June 2022 shooting," he said. "A careful review of all evidence, including surveillance footage and interviews with eyewitnesses, reveals that Mr. Zulu was attacked and jumped from behind by a gang of at least four (4) people (unfortunately including the deceased) and was forced to defend himself after this gang stomped on him, kicked and punched repeatedly while on the ground in a helpless posture. »

Banks also pointed out that not only did the incident take place at Obafemi's place of business , but also that he was shot in the back during the melee and nearly lost his life.

"In an attempt to save his life, Mr. Zulu lawfully discharged his gun in self-defense , a weapon he was licensed to carry. Mr. Zulu cooperated fully with law enforcement officials and their investigation, and surrendered voluntarily after learning of the arrest warrants. »

Obafemi and Banks are confident the music veteran's name will be cleared in upcoming criminal proceedings . Banks added, "It's not lost on Mr. Zulu that someone lost their life, but if Mr. Zulu hadn't defended himself legally, Mr. Zulu would have been killed that night."< /p>

Obafemi, Ludacris and Obafemi's brother, Jeff Dixon, founded Disturbing Tha Peace Records in 1998, which is home to artists like Chingy, Bobby V and Lil Scrappy. He was also instrumental in signing Ludacris to Def Jam in 2008 and served as the rapper-actor's longtime manager.

In 2019, Obafemi, as Chaka Zulu, joined Spotify as a relationship manager artists and talents.

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