IPNEWS: Bong County Electoral District No. 3 Rep. J. Marvin Cole has engaged citizens and community members on the arrest of former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor in connection with the ongoing investigation into a reported US$317 million drug case in Liberia.
During the community engagement, Rep. Cole questioned the circumstances surrounding the former vice president’s arrest and raised concerns about the manner in which security personnel reportedly handled the situation. PROBE NEWSPAPER REPORTS.
Cole recounted allegations that Howard-Taylor was taken into custody without being given sufficient opportunity to use the bathroom or return to her residence after she was arrested.
According to Cole, Howard-Taylor reportedly asked security personnel to allow her to use a bathroom while she was being transported, but the request was allegedly denied.
He said she was instead taken directly to the police station, where authorities subsequently began investigating possible charges against her.
Cole also questioned the treatment of Howard-Taylor while she was detained, recounting claims that she experienced difficulty breathing and was placed in a facility where her condition allegedly became uncomfortable.
The lawmaker further raised questions about the broader drug investigation, including allegations involving other individuals who may have had contact with suspects or persons linked to the case.
Cole’s comments appeared aimed at encouraging citizens to scrutinize the government’s handling of the investigation while also calling for fairness and due process.
He questioned whether the government would have treated a prominent official from another county or political constituency in the same manner, suggesting that the arrest could have generated a different reaction if it involved another powerful political figure.
The District No. 3 lawmaker said Liberia must not return to a period in which citizens are arrested or detained without adequate respect for their constitutional rights.
“We’re not going to allow that,” Cole told citizens during the engagement, calling for continued vigilance over the actions of government institutions.
The former vice president’s arrest has generated public debate across Liberia, with questions being raised about the government’s investigation, the rule of law and the rights of persons being questioned or detained in connection with the drug case.
Authorities have maintained that the ongoing investigation is part of efforts to address the illegal drug trade and hold individuals suspected of involvement accountable.
However, Cole urged citizens to remain concerned about due process, arguing that investigations into serious allegations should be conducted in accordance with Liberia’s laws and constitutional protections.
The US$317 million drug case remains under investigation, and allegations made during the community engagement have not been independently verified.
