Fresh One star Shaka Zulu arrested again in Accra

 Richard Cobbinah, popularly known as “Shaka Zulu” from the iconic 2009 music video Fresh One by Ghanaian hiplife group 4x4, has been arrested once again—this time in connection with alleged land guard operations in Accra.

The Greater Accra Regional Police Command confirmed that Cobbinah was detained alongside five other suspects on January 10, 2026, following a distress call received at approximately 12:30 p.m.

Police say the group is suspected of engaging in land guard activities and the unlawful possession of firearms, offenses that remain a major security concern in the capital.

Land guarding—where armed groups are used to illegally seize, protect, or enforce claims over disputed land—has persisted despite sustained efforts by law enforcement. 

Authorities say renewed crackdowns are part of broader measures to curb violence and protect property rights in rapidly developing urban areas.

Cobbinah’s arrest marks another troubling chapter in a long-running legal history that dates back more than a decade.

 After rising to public attention through his appearance in Fresh One, his brush with fame was short-lived. 

In 2010, he was arrested for robbery, and in 2013 he was sentenced to 15 years in prison for stealing. He was released in 2024 after serving a reduced sentence.

News of his latest arrest has triggered widespread reactions on social media, with many Ghanaians expressing disappointment that the former video star appears to have returned to alleged criminal activity after his release. 

Others have pointed to the broader societal challenges surrounding reintegration and the persistent lure of organized land disputes.

Police say all six suspects remain in custody while investigations continue. 

Authorities have urged the public to cooperate with ongoing efforts to dismantle land guard networks and report suspicious activities to help maintain peace and security in Accra.