In a significant turn of events, Chaka Zulu has been cleared of murder charges stemming from the 2022 triple shooting incident in Buckhead, which resulted in one fatality.
Fulton County prosecutors have concluded that Ahmed Chaka Zulu Obafemi, the longtime manager of Ludacris, acted in self-defense when he fatally shot 23-year-old Artez Jamil Benton in the parking lot of his Buckhead restaurant on June 26, 2022.
The decision follows a thorough investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
The incident unfolded after a heated altercation between Chaka Zulu and others, ultimately leading to the shooting that left three individuals injured.
Identified as a suspect two and a half months after the Buckhead triple shooting, Chaka Zulu faced charges including murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and simple battery.
The Atlanta police obtained warrants for his arrest, and on Tuesday, September 13, he surrendered, subsequently being booked into the Fulton County jail.
He was released the same day on a $200,000 bond, as per jail records.
Gabe Banks, Chaka Zulu’s attorney, emphasized that the music executive acted in self-defense, utilizing a weapon for which he held a valid license after being attacked during the altercation.
Banks noted, “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.”
Chaka Zulu himself took to social media in August, expressing gratitude for the individuals he referred to as the “angels on earth” who played a crucial role in saving his life after the shooting.
Given the resolution of the legal proceedings, it is likely that Chaka Zulu can now move forward, putting this challenging ordeal behind him.
He released the following statement via Instagram:
While acknowledging the relief Chaka Zulu may feel, it’s important to extend thoughts and prayers to the family of Artez Jamil Benton, recognizing the tragedy and loss they have experienced.
Source: WSB-TV
