Chaka Zulu real name Ahmed Obafemi a long-time manager of rapper Ludacris has been arrested for the murder of a 23-year-old man who died in a shooting in June.
Keep reading to know more about the what happened? who got killed in the shoot?.
Why is rapper Ludacris manager Chaka Zulu arrested for murder?
On June 26, the shot that happened in the parking lot of a Buckhead shopping center injured the music executive Ahmed Obafemi and killed Artez Jamil Benton, who was a native of DeKalb County.
BREAKING: Ludacris’ longtime manager Chaka Zulu arrested on murder charge. The music executive, whose real name is Ahmed Obafemi, is also charged w/ aggravated assault , possession of firearm during commission of a felony and simple battery, according to jail records. @wsbtv pic.twitter.com/4mPLIsI5Pz
— Michael Seiden (@SeidenWSBTV) September 18, 2022
Benton’s family has pleaded for the killing and hopes of justice.
His elder sister told The Atlanta Journal-Constitution “We just want justice for Artez”. “That’s the main thing we want. So if you see something, say something please.”
Investigations And Arrest:
On September 13th, Ahmed Obafemi surrendered to authorities on charges related to a shooting that took place in a shopping center parking lot in June. There were three people in the parking lot that day Artez Benton was killed in the shooting, and Obafemi and another person were wounded.
Investigators of Atlanta have suspected Chaka Zulu in Artez Jamil Benton’s death. According to police, there was an argument before the shooting, and the victims were shot in the parking lot.
On Tuesday, Obafemi was charged with various other charges including aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and simple battery. He surrendered and was released the same day on a bond of $200,000 as per the jail records.
A statement was release from Zulu’s attorney :
Mr. Chaka Zulu, a beloved son of the City of Atlanta, is disappointed in the Atlanta Police Department’s decision to bring charges against him surrounding the shooting that occurred in June 2022. A close review of all of the evidence, including the surveillance footage and eyewitness interviews, reveals that Mr. Zulu was attacked and jumped from behind by a gang of at least four (4) individuals (sadly including the decedent) and was forced to defend himself after this gang repeatedly stomped, punched, and kicked him while he was on the ground in a defenseless posture.
Mr. Zulu was shot in the back during the shooting and nearly lost his life, and is still recovering from the nearly fatal injuries he sustained that evening. Mr. Zulu was at his place of business that night and had every right to defend himself. In an attempt to save his life, Mr. Zulu lawfully discharged his weapon in self-defense, a weapon that he is licensed to carry. Mr. Zulu fully cooperated with law enforcement officials and their investigation, and voluntarily turned himself in once he learned of the arrest warrants. Mr. Zulu remains confident that his name will be cleared of all charges through the judicial process. It is not lost on Mr. Zulu that someone lost his life, but had Mr. Zulu not lawfully defended himself, Mr. Zulu would have been killed that night.
— A statement from Gabe Banks of Banks Weaver LLC, legal counsel for Mr. Zulu.
Obafemi is a well-known figure in the music industry, and his shooting has sent shockwaves throughout the community. While it is still unclear what led to the altercation that resulted in the crime, one thing is for sure any time there is violence, it leaves a negative mark on the community. Our thoughts are with the victim’s family during this difficult time.