The longtime manager of rapper Ludacris, Chaka Zulu, has been charged by Atlanta police in connection with a shooting that left one dead and two injured, including himself.
According to a Sept. 17 report by Fox 5 Atlanta, Zulu, whose real name is Ahmed Obafemi, faces charges of murder, aggravated assault, possession of a firearm during the commission of a crime, and simple battery stemming from a late-night shooting in June.
“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 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,” a statement from Gabe Banks, legal counsel for Obafemi, reads. “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.”
Obafemi turned himself in at the Fulton County Jail Sept. 13 but was out on bond later that day, Fox 5 reports.
Obafemi started the independent record label “Disturbing tha Peace Records” in 1998 with a goal of giving “Dirty South” musicians a vehicle after many were shunned by major labels, according to Fox 5.
“Mr. Zulu was at his place of business that night and had every right to defend himself,” Banks’ statement reads. “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.”
