Fulton County Prosecutors Drop Charges Against Ludacris Manager Chaka Zulu, Citing Self-Defense

The legal team in Fulton County has decided not to pursue murder and other serious charges against Chaka Zulu, Ludacris’ long-time manager. This decision comes after a review of the case, where it was concluded that Zulu acted in self-defense when he shot and killed a 23-year-old college graduate during a fight outside his restaurant in Buckhead in 2022.

Jeff DiSantis, speaking for the Fulton County District Attorney’s office, shared that while the police initially arrested Zulu based on probable cause, further investigation showed that the case didn’t meet the higher standard of proof needed for a trial. Zulu is now participating in a pre-indictment diversion program, so the DA’s office isn’t making more comments on the case.

Zulu, whose real name is Ahmed Chaka Zulu Obafemi, was involved in a shooting on June 26 in a parking lot where one person died, and another was injured. After his arrest on September 13 on various charges, including murder, he was released the same day on a $200,000 bond.

Zulu’s lawyer, Gabe Banks, has consistently argued that Zulu acted in self-defense, even releasing surveillance footage showing Zulu being attacked before the shooting. In a recent statement, Banks expressed satisfaction with the investigation’s outcome, acknowledging the tragic loss of life but emphasizing Zulu’s need to move on and focus on his family. He asked for privacy and directed any further inquiries to his office.