Author: Chester Smith

IPNEWS: The authoritative Independent Probe Newspaper (IPNEWS), understand from several diplomatic sources that the United States intelligence and diplomatic entities aided a major cocaine US$19.2 million cocaine seizure at Roberts International Airport (RIA), last weekend. According to Diplomatic sources the interception of 198 compressed plates of cocaine on June 8, 2026, has heightened concern over Liberia’s vulnerability as a critical trans-shipment route for transnational drug cartels. Security Sources hinted IPNEWS that Security forces intercepted six cargo boxes containing compressed cocaine plates bound for Europe via Brussels Airlines operations. The Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency (LDEA), has transitioned the case into a…

IPNEWS: GLS Group has reaffirmed its commitment to integrity and lawful business practices while warning that it may pursue legal action against individuals or entities spreading what it described as false and defamatory allegations linked to an ongoing investigation at Roberts International Airport (RIA). In a statement issued Friday, the logistics and infrastructure company said it is fully cooperating with authorities investigating the matter and pledged to continue providing support throughout the process. The company, however, declined to comment on the specifics of the investigation, citing respect for due process and the integrity of the ongoing inquiry. “GLS Group wishes…

The ECOWAS Bank for Investment and Development (EBID) has announced that its President and Chairman of the Board of Directors, Dr George Agyekum Donkor, has been named as the recipient of the Distinguished African Development Finance Leadership Award – Regional Integration & Economic Transformation at the 16th African Business Leadership Awards (ABLA) 2026. The award, to be conferred by the African Leadership Organisation (UK) Limited and the Editorial Board of African Leadership Magazine, follows a rigorous merit-based evaluation and recognises Dr Donkor’s exceptional stewardship and transformative impact on West Africa’s development finance architecture. In addition to the individual honour, EBID…

IPNEWS: Grand Gedeh County Senator Thomas Yaya Nimely walked out of a failed joint Senate hearing and sharply criticized the Unity Party-led government for its ongoing failure to resolve the controversial Liberia Traffic Management Incorporated concession. The legislative confrontation highlights escalating tensions over transparency, labor protections, and institutional authority within Liberia’s transportation infrastructure. Senator Nimely staged his exit from the Capitol Building committee session due to the following the failure of Key institutional stakeholders to attend the scheduled hearing to provide testimony. The Ministry of Justice and the Ministry of Finance and Development Planning did not send representatives, including the…

IPNEWS: The authoritative Independent Probe Newspaper, has gathered from several sources throughout Friday into early Saturday, that several top senior government officials from the office of the president, the seat of the Legislature particularly the House of Representatives are undergoing probe into links Several sources familiar with the investigation, hints IPNEWS that a notable female advisor to President Boakai while undergoing investigation into the suspected link to the drugs burst fled the country secretly this week sparking concerns. Several calls to this female advisor, prove repeatedly switch-off. (Details comes in our subsequent publication)  The reported involvement of those top…

—-Hints Consequences If!! IPNEWS: U.S. Congressman Chris Smith has urged the Liberian Senate to reject a controversial abortion provision embedded within Liberia’s proposed New Public Health Bill. Congressman Smith, a long-serving representative from New Jersey and a prominent human rights campaigner, argued that the proposed legislation would radically alter Liberia’s existing laws by expanding abortion access. The international and domestic pushback revolves around a major overhaul of Liberia’s healthcare frameworks: The contested section of the Public Health Bill seeks to replace Liberia’s 1976 penal statutes. The new provision would allow abortion on demand up to 14 weeks of gestation. Under…

By: Andrew B Weah IPNEW: A coalition of leading civil society organizations has thrown its full support behind efforts to establish both a War and Economic Crimes Court and a National Anti-Corruption Court, describing the proposed institutions as critical tools for ending decades of impunity and strengthening accountability in Liberia. In a joint statement issued Wednesday, the Center for Transparency and Accountability in Liberia, Women NGO Secretariat of Liberia, Association of Female Lawyers of Liberia, and Sisters AID Liberia Inc. called on lawmakers to fully support the pending bills and ensure their timely passage. Reading the joint statement on behalf…

IPNEWS: Nigerian spiritual leader Primate Elijah Ayodele has threatened to file a $2 billion lawsuit against Liberia’s Information Minister, over allegation of the selling cocaine over the last six years under former president George Weah. Speaking during his Friday, June 12, 2026, prayer services, Primate Elijah Ayodele told his congregation that the allegation by Liberia Minister of Information, Cultural Affairs and Tourism (MICAT) is Jerolinmek Matthew Piah, was grave and he is considering legal action for ‘deformation of Character’ in the amount of 2 billion United States dollars. Defamation of character occurs when a false statement is presented as fact,…

IPNEWS: The West African Tax Administration Forum (WATAF) today convened its 22nd Council Meeting in Bamako, Mali, bringing together tax leaders from across the region to discuss strategic priorities aimed at strengthening tax administration, enhancing domestic revenue mobilization and supporting sustainable development in West Africa. Held under the theme “Strengthening Regional Tax Cooperation for Sustainable Development,” the meeting is hosted by the Directorate General of Taxes (DGI) of Mali in collaboration with the WATAF Secretariat. The WATAF Council, the Forum’s second-highest decision-making body, comprises six elected heads of tax administrations from member countries and provides strategic oversight and governance direction…

IPNEWS: The National Elections Commission (NEC) on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, commenced a series of regional consultations on its draft Communications Strategy, Policy, and Protocol in Ganta, Nimba County. The three-day consultation brings together editors, station managers, media development organizations, and NEC magistrates to review and provide input on the new communication frameworks aimed at strengthening transparency, stakeholder engagement, and public access to electoral information. The consultations form part of NEC’s efforts to modernize its communication systems and enhance its capacity to provide timely, accurate, and credible information throughout the electoral cycle, in line with its new five-year Strategic Plan.…