-Challenges ‘Unconstitutional’ Drug Prosecution
MONROVIA, Liberia — The legal team for former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has filed a motion for bail before Judge Ousman F. Feika of the First Judicial Circuit, Criminal Assizes “C” for Montserrado County, mounting a sweeping constitutional challenge to the government’s prosecution of the former vice president.
The filing, submitted September 16, argues that Howard-Taylor is being held on charges that were bailable under the law in effect at the time of the alleged offenses, and that her continued detention is both unlawful and unconstitutional. The motion seeks her release on personal recognizance or, alternatively, the setting of a reasonable bail amount.
According to court filings, Howard-Taylor was arrested at Roberts International Airport on August 19, 2026, without an arrest warrant while she was traveling to a women’s leadership conference in Ghana. The defense argues this violated Article 21(b) of the 1986 Liberian Constitution, which protects citizens against arbitrary arrest and detention.
The defense contends that the Writ of Arrest relies on alleged conduct from 2021 and 2022 but attempts to charge Howard-Taylor under the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act of 2023, which was enacted on July 19, 2023. Article 21(a) of the Liberian Constitution explicitly prohibits retroactive criminal prosecution, the filing states.
Under the 2014 Drug Act that was in effect during 2021–2022, the alleged conduct did not constitute a non-bailable offense, according to the defense. As a result, bail should be treated as a constitutional right rather than a matter of judicial discretion, the motion argues.
Citing Supreme Court precedent in Republic of Liberia v. James Kollie et al. (2025), the defense maintains that an unsworn magistrate’s writ without a Grand Jury indictment cannot strip a citizen of the right to bail where the evidence is not evident.
Motion Seeks Specific Relief
The filing formally requests that the Court:
· Grant Howard-Taylor bail on personal recognizance or set a reasonable bail amount;
· Rule that the 2014 Drug Act governs the grading of the alleged offenses; and
· Afford all equitable relief in the interest of justice.
The motion highlights Howard-Taylor’s more than 24 years of public service to Liberia, including her tenure as Senator for Bong County and as Vice President from 2018 to 2024. It notes that she has no criminal record and remains committed to vindicating her name through the rule of law.
The Office of Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor reiterated its call for the public to remain calm as the legal team works to safeguard her constitutional rights. The office said it will continue to provide updates on the proceedings as they develop.
