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Jewel Howard-Taylor accused of drug network ties and assassination plot
During preliminary court proceedings in Monrovia, a senior Liberia National Police investigator, Repheal Wilson, testified that former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor was allegedly involved with a transnational cocaine trafficking network.
Wilson testified that the organization sought political protection to facilitate its operations in Liberia. The prosecution claims to possess audio and video recordings of meetings where discussions included drug trafficking, financial transactions, and a plot to assassinate former President George Weah. One allegation suggests Howard-Taylor told the group that if they won the 2023 election, they would rule for three years before carrying out the assassination.
Howard-Taylor, who served as vice president from 2018 to 2024, faces multiple charges including money laundering, illicit drug trafficking, and abuse of office. She and her co-defendants deny all allegations.
Separately, a co-defendant has challenged a recent judicial ruling that granted Howard-Taylor house arrest on medical grounds, arguing the judge lacked the legal authority to grant such compassionate release.
Entities
George Weah · Jewel Howard-Taylor · Liberia National Police · Monrovia City Court · Raphael Wilson · Sheikh Bassirou Kante
Claims
What the coverage asserts, and how many sources carry each claim.
- [● 2 SOURCES] A senior police investigator testified that a transnational cocaine network sought political protection from former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor. liberianinvestigator.com · frontpageafricaonline.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Howard-Taylor allegedly agreed to provide requested protection but indicated she would first discuss the matter with her superior. frontpageafricaonline.com
- [DISPUTED] An audio recording allegedly features Jewel Howard-Taylor and Sheikh Bassirou Kante discussing a plot to assassinate George Weah. smartnewsliberia.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Investigators documented meetings involving Howard-Taylor during her tenure as vice president from 2018 to 2024. liberianinvestigator.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Jewel Howard-Taylor and her co-defendants deny the allegations. liberianinvestigator.com
- [DISPUTED] Investigators uncovered discussions regarding a plot to assassinate former President George Weah. liberianinvestigator.com · smartnewsliberia.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] The investigation involves a trafficking organization operating in Liberia, Dubai, and Nigeria between 2021 and 2024. liberianinvestigator.com
- [○ 1 SOURCE] Howard-Taylor allegedly told a drug group that if they won the 2023 election, they would run the country for three years before assassinating former President Weah.