By Jerromie S. Walters
MONROVIA, LIBERIA — The Office of Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has welcomed the formal commencement of proceedings against her, saying her legal team now has the opportunity to examine and challenge the allegations and evidence presented against her.
The Office said the indictment gives the Defense Team a chance to scrutinize the purported evidence, test the allegations before the appropriate judicial forum, and ensure that Madam Howard-Taylor’s constitutional rights and due process protections receive full respect.
The Office reiterated, unequivocally, Madam Howard-Taylor’s position that she is innocent of the allegations against her. It said she remains confident that the judicial process will ultimately establish the facts and looks forward to her Defense Team presenting her case through the proper legal channels.
Madam Howard-Taylor expressed profound appreciation to the Liberian people, her supporters, friends, colleagues, and well-wishers at home and around the world for their prayers and continued support.
She said she remains grateful for the confidence and solidarity shown to her and called on everyone to continue to place their faith in due process, the rule of law, and the pursuit of justice.
The First Judicial Circuit, Criminal Court “C” in Montserrado County formally indicted former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor and nineteen others on charges of drug trafficking, money laundering, criminal conspiracy, and weapons-related offenses on October 7, 2026, under Assigned Circuit Judge Ousman F. Feika.
The indictment names Taylor alongside former National Security Agency (NSA) official Gerald Foley Smith and former Liberia Civil Aviation Authority (LCAA) Deputy Director Mark Quiah, among others. The charges represent one of the most significant legal actions against a former high-ranking official in Liberia’s recent history.
The writ of arrest names twenty individuals, including both Liberian nationals and foreign citizens from Ukraine, Croatia, and other nations.
Those named include Nikola Ivancic, also known as Nikolas Ivancic, a foreign national; Taras Zadereiko, also known as Tony, a Ukrainian national; Mihovil Vrovac, also known as Michael, a Croatian national; Srdan Seles, a foreign national; John David Garces, a foreign national; and Sheik Bashiru Kante.
The list also includes Gerald Foley Smith, former Deputy Director for Administration at the NSA; Edison M. Brown; Mohammed Alpha Bah; Jammel V. Jallah; Christian L. Nyantee; Christopher Saryeecee; and Cayce L. Nelson.
Others named are DCP Anthony T. Blaye; ACP Wadell W. Kwarbo; Albenigo Janior; Jewel Howard-Taylor, former Vice President of Liberia; Mark Quiah, former Deputy Director for Operations at the LCAA; and Sekou Nana. The writ also leaves room for others to be identified.
The Charges
Prosecutors are pursuing eleven counts against the defendants. The counts include unlicensed possession of controlled drugs or substances; unlicensed importation of controlled drugs or substances; unlicensed exportation of controlled drugs or substances; and unlicensed sale, trading, administration, dispensation, delivery, distribution, dispatch in transit, and transportation of controlled drugs or substances.
Prosecutors also charge illicit trafficking, criminal conspiracy, criminal facilitation, and criminal solicitation. The remaining counts are money laundering, possession and sale of physical objects for lethal use, and physical objects for lethal use.
A Grand Jury duly selected and empaneled for Montserrado County prepared the indictment. The writ of arrest commands Major Austine Seinavula, Sheriff of Montserrado County, or his deputy, to arrest the named defendants and bring them before the court to answer to the charges. J. Amos F. Gbowah, Clerk of Court for Criminal Court “C,” signed the document and affixed the court’s seal on October 7, 2026. The court will sit in its August Term, A.D. 2026.
