Monrovia, Liberia — August 22, 2026 Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has strongly denied allegations of drug trafficking and related offences leveled against her by the Minister of Justice, describing the charges as baseless, politically motivated, and an abuse of state power.
In a statement issued by her office, Howard-Taylor rejected “in the strongest possible terms” all accusations, insisting she has never participated in, facilitated, financed, or concealed any criminal activity. She emphasized that official contacts made during her tenure as Vice President cannot be construed as evidence of wrongdoing.
Airport Incident Raises Concerns
The controversy erupted on August 19 when Howard-Taylor was stopped at Roberts International Airport while en route to deliver a keynote address in Accra, Ghana. According to her office, she had received no prior notice of any investigation or summons. Later that day, her vehicle was intercepted in Congo Town and she was escorted to police headquarters, where charges were read in the presence of her lawyers.
Her office criticized the manner of her treatment, noting that she had already expressed willingness to voluntarily report to police authorities.
Allegations of Fabricated Evidence
The statement further warned of alleged plans by elements within the government to use artificial intelligence to create doctored audio and video recordings against her. Howard-Taylor’s office vowed that any such material would be subjected to independent forensic scrutiny, calling the development “extremely serious and alarming.”
Political Motivation Alleged
Howard-Taylor characterized the case as a politically motivated witch-hunt designed to discredit and silence her. She questioned whether state institutions were being used impartially, urging Liberians to remain calm but vigilant.
“She will not be intimidated, bullied into accepting guilt by association, or used to let legitimate law-enforcement concerns be turned into a political weapon,” the statement read.
Call for Rule of Law
The former Vice President reaffirmed her commitment to fight the charges through legal channels, defend her integrity, and welcome a fair investigation based on evidence rather than insinuation. Her office called on the government to respect due process and allow the courts to determine the facts.
Howard-Taylor concluded by declaring she has “nothing to hide and will not run from the law — but neither will she allow her name to be dragged through the mud for political purposes.”
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