By Vaye Abel Lepolu
MONROVIA, LIBERIA —Liberian businesswoman and professional Stephanie Audrey Kpoto has filed a lawsuit seeking US$500,000 in damages against Activist and commentator Martin K. N. Kollie, accusing him of repeatedly publishing what she describes as false and damaging allegations about her on social media.
According to the complaint, Kpoto alleges that between August 22 and August 26, 2026,Kollie published a series of Facebook posts identifying her by name and photographs and accusing her of involvement in international drug trafficking, money laundering, fraud, corruption, bribery, and organized transnational crime.
Kpoto maintains that the allegations were presented by Kollie as established facts rather than speculation. The complaint quotes him as repeatedly insisting that his claims were “100% truth” and “100% fact,” while allegedly stating, “I am not saying allegedly.”
Kpoto alleges that one of the publications described her as a “leading capone”and accused her of living a luxurious lifestyle through proceeds from drug trafficking and money laundering.
She further alleges that Kollie claimed her legitimate business activities were a cover for drug trafficking, accused her international business partners of being connected to a cocaine cartel, and alleged that she used relationships with public officials and diplomatic privileges to facilitate criminal activities.
The complaint also alleges that Kollie accused Kpoto of coordinating with an international drug cartel in Liberia and of helping facilitate the movement and storage of illegal drugs.
In subsequent Facebook publications, according to the complaint, Kollie allegedly continued referring to Kpoto as an “International Drug Capone,” “hardcore criminal,” “drug criminal,” “money launderer,”and “fraudster.”
The lawsuit further alleges that Kollie connected Kpoto to former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor, claiming that Kpoto introduced alleged drug traffickers to the former Vice President and suggesting that funds associated with the Jewel StarFish Foundation originated from drug proceeds.
Kpoto denies the allegations and maintains that she has never trafficked cocaine or other illegal drugs, laundered drug proceeds, operated a criminal shell company, coordinated an international drug cartel, or bribed officials for protection.
The complaint also emphasizes that, according to Kpoto, no court of competent jurisdiction has convicted her of the crimes attributed to her in the Facebook publications.
Kpoto alleges that the publications have caused significant damage to her personal, professional, and business reputation
According to the complaint, she has experienced public humiliation, scrutiny while traveling abroad, visa-related difficulties, canceled meetings, interrupted professional engagements, lost contracts, lost prospective business opportunities, and damage to commercial and professional relationships.
She further alleges that the publications have caused mental anguish, anxiety, sleeplessness, fear, embarrassment, shame, and loss of peace of mind, particularly because the statements remain accessible and shareable online.
The complaint accuses Kollie of publishing the statements with actual malice, alleging that he knew the accusations were false or acted with reckless disregard for their truth.
Kpoto points to what she describes as Kollie’s repeated publication of the allegations, his alleged refusal to characterize them as “alleged,” and his continued calls for her arrest, imprisonment, pursuit through INTERPOL,and seizure of property.
The plaintiff argues that the publications were widely accessible through Facebook and were capable of being viewed and shared by people in Liberia and abroad, including business associates, professional contacts, immigration authorities, and members of the public.
However, madam Kpoto is asking the court to award her an aggregate US$500,000 in compensatory and general damages citing injury to her reputation, business interests, professional relationships, dignity, and emotional wellbeing.
She is also asking the court to grant any additional relief it considers just, lawful, and equitable.
The writ of summons names Martin K. N. Kollie, of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, as the defendant and directs him to respond to the action in accordance with the court’s stated timetable.
The allegations contained in the lawsuit remain claims by the plaintiff and have not, by themselves, been established as facts by a court. The defendant would have an opportunity to respond to the allegations and present his defenses in the proceedings.
