Ex-Delta SSG Files Defamation Lawsuit Against Solomon ZinoTv, Demands N1.5bn Damages

By Jerry Ferguson, senior correspondent

Erstwhile Secretary to Delta State Government,  Comrade (Chief) Ovuozourie Samuel Macaulay has filed a lawsuit against social media commentator, Mr Ememameh Efezino Solomon, also known as Solomon ZinoTv, for defamation.

In February, Mr Ememameh Efezino Solomon in a videos circulated widely on the social media space using his Facebook page Solomon Zino Tv, accused Comrade  Macaulay of diverting monies meant for the construction of 132KVA transformer in Ozoro, Isoko North Local government Area of Delta State to his private use.

The blogger also claimed in his video that Comrade Macaulay diverted part of the money meant for 132KVA sub-station to build his mansion in his community, Owhelogbo, Isoko North Local Government Area, Delta State.

In a lawsuit dated March 5, Macaulay’s lawyer, Ejumejowo A. A., described Solomon ZinoTv’s comments as “libelous, malicious, and damaging” to the hard-earned reputation of Comrade Ovuozourie Samuel Macaulay.

The lawsuit read in parts; “The services of our firm, EJUMEJOWO & ASSOCIATES has been retained by Chief (Comrade) Ovuozuorie Samuel Macaulay (hereinafter referred to as our “client”) to formally commence civil legal actions against one Mr EMEMAMEH EFEZINO SOLOMON who a few weeks ago caused to be made several defamatory publications against our client in videos circulated widely on the social media space using his page Solomon Zino Tv.

“Mr Ememameh Efezino Solomon made among other statements that our client in collusion with other notable leaders including the former boss and leader of client, the former Governor of Delta State, Dr Emmanuel Uduaghan diverted monies meant for the construction of 132KVA transformer in Ozoro, Isoko North Delta State to their private use.

“Mr Ememameh Fezino Solomon also stated in his video that our diverted part of the money meant from 132KVA sub-station to build his mansion in his community, Owhelogbo, Isoko North Local Government Area, Delta State.

“In the furtherance of our client’s instructions, we have filed a civil suit for defamation against Mr Ememameh Efezino Solomon at the Delta State High Court, Ozoro Division, Ozoro, Isoko North Local Government Area, Delta State with suit number HCZ/29/2025 seeking among others reliefs for general, special and exemplary damages totalling N1,500,000,00(one billion, five hundred million naira) only, removal of all the offensive publication including videos from the social media space, a public retraction and apology in all the social media platforms they were made including five national newspapers.

“It is our client’s belief that while citizens should be free to air their opinions and ask questions concerning public contracts particularly such critical infrastructure projects including the 132KVA in Ozoro but the people should not use the guise of asking questions to tarnish the hard earned reputation of people.

“On a final note, our client is committed to further engaging relevant stakeholders to see to the completion the project and thank the good people of Isoko who have rallied round him in the wake of the deliberate falsehood against him by Mr Ememameh Efezino Solomon.”