Music executive and longtime manager of rapper Ludacris, Chaka Zulu, has been arrested on murder charges in Atlanta. It is in connection to a fatal triple shooting on June 26th in a parking lot that left 23-year-old Artez Benton dead.

Atlanta police stated that gunfire erupted after an argument or altercation that left one person dead and two injured, including Zulu. All three men were taken to the hospital with reported injuries. Zulu, whose legal name is Ahmed Obafemi, surrendered to the authorities on September 13 and posted a $200,000 bond the same day. According to jail records, Zulu's charges include aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a felony, and simple battery.

Late Saturday night, Zulu's attorney, Gabe Banks, released a statement via Instagram regarding the incident. They insist that this was a case of self-defense.

"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, reveal 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 was 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 these 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."