Says It Was A “Politically Troubling Arrest”, As Pres. Boakai Gives Police IC Greg Coleman A Pat On The Back
By Our Staff Writer
After a strongly worded statement from her coalition partner, CDC and its leader former Liberian President George Manneh Weah, the detained former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor’s National Patriotic Party (NPP) at the weekend expressed “profound concern and categorical condemnation of the abrupt, humiliating, and politically troubling arrest and detention” of its Standard Bearer.
Madam Taylor, es-wife of jailed former President Charles Ghankay Taylor, was arrested last Monday as she was about to board a flight to Ghana on Wednesday and she was held in custody at the Liberia National Police headquarters on Capitol Hill in central Monrovia on multiple criminal charges including being linked to international narcotic network.
This was contained in an official reaction published on the NPP’s Facebook page as you’ll see below. The NPP’s statement came as current President Joseph Nyuma Boakai reaffirmed his support for thee Liberian National Police (LNP), its Inspector General, Hon. Gregory W. Coleman and his team”. https://web.facebook.com/share/p/1HcS3uEn67/
On August 19, 2026, the government through Justice Minister, Cllr. Oswald Tweh confirmed the arrest and formal charging of the former Vice President for alleged connection to international narcotic trafficking based on evidence gathered from investigations.Liberian Gov’t Confirms Ex-VP Jewel Taylor Arrested & “Formally Charged”, Allegedly Linked To “Transnational Narcotic Trafficking Network” – News Public Trust
Speaking from abroad on Wednesday, August 19, 2026, Former Liberian President George Manneh Weah has strongly condemned the government of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai for arresting and charging his former Vice President Juwel Howard-Taylor on allegation of being linked to the international narcotic network, in the wake of US$317 million cocaine bust.
Former President Weah, the international football icon-turned politician and leader of the main opposition Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) party, has vowed to resist what he called, “the continuous use of extrajudicial powers by President Joseph Boakai to trample upon the constitutional rights of Liberians who hold opposing views”. Former Pres. Weah Condemns Ex-VP Jewel’s Drug Charges, Vows Returning To Liberia To Lead His CDC’s Resistance – News Public Trust
NPP Press Statement
NOTE: THIS IS THE PARTY’S OFFICIAL POSITION. THE RELEASE CIRCULATING WAS ALTERED AND UNDER INVESTIGATION.
NATIONAL PATRIOTIC PARTY (NPP)
OFFICIAL STATEMENT ON THE ARREST AND DETENTION OF ITS STANDARD BEARER
August 21, 2026
The National Patriotic Party (NPP) expresses its profound concern and categorical condemnation of the abrupt, humiliating, and politically troubling arrest and detention of its Standard Bearer, H.E. Madam Jewel Howard-Taylor, former Vice President of the Republic of Liberia.
The NPP unequivocally presumes Madam Taylor innocent of all allegations against her. She has no connection whatsoever to any drug-trafficking network and has categorically and firmly denied all allegations of money laundering, drug trafficking, and criminal conspiracy.
The Party reminds the Government of Liberia that Article 21 of the Constitution of the Republic of Liberia guarantees every person the presumption of innocence until proven guilty by a court of competent jurisdiction. Accordingly, government pronouncements suggesting guilt, coupled with the public presentation of Madam Taylor in connection with the allegations before a judicial determination, amount to trial by publicity and raise serious concerns about the protection of her constitutional rights.
Madam Taylor was reportedly stopped at Roberts International Airport while undertaking legitimate private travel. She is a former Vice President of the Republic, a prominent stateswoman, and a mother who has consistently submitted herself to the laws and institutions of Liberia. She is neither a flight risk nor a fugitive from justice. The manner in which her arrest and detention were carried out was, in the view of the NPP, excessive, degrading, and unnecessarily embarrassing—not only to Madam Taylor personally but also to the National Patriotic Party.
THE NPP DEMANDS:
- The immediate granting of reasonable bail, where legally permissible, and full respect for Madam Taylor’s right to legal counsel, appropriate medical care, humane treatment, and personal dignity;
- The full and timely disclosure of the evidence and allegations upon which the charges against her are based, consistent with due process and the rule of law;
- An impartial, transparent, and expeditious judicial process, free from political interference, intimidation, or prejudicial public pronouncements; and
- An immediate cessation of statements and actions by government officials that could prejudice the public or undermine Madam Taylor’s right to a fair trial.
The NPP fully supports legitimate and lawful efforts to combat drug trafficking, money laundering, and organized crime. However, the fight against drugs must never become a tool for political persecution or the selective application of justice against political opponents.
Liberia’s painful history teaches us that when justice is selectively applied or opposition leaders are subjected to public condemnation before trial, the damage extends beyond the individual—it weakens public confidence in the rule of law and threatens the democratic institutions upon which our Republic depends.
The National Patriotic Party therefore calls on all state actors to exercise restraint, uphold the Constitution, and allow the courts to perform their constitutional responsibilities without political pressure or interference.
Madam Jewel Howard-Taylor remains the duly recognized Standard Bearer of the National Patriotic Party. The Party stands firmly, unconditionally, and resolutely with her during this difficult period.
We call on all NPP partisans, supporters, sympathizers, and well-meaning Liberians to remain calm, peaceful, disciplined, and vigilant. The Executive Committee has activated its full legal and political response team and will pursue every lawful remedy available, both nationally and internationally, to safeguard the rights, dignity, and constitutional protections of our Standard Bearer.
This is a moment for courage, unity, discipline, and faith in the rule of law.
The truth will prevail.
Issued by: The National Executive Committee of the NPP