The Monrovia City Magistrate Court has granted a defense request to withdraw a preliminary examination in the criminal case involving Madam Jewel Howard-Taylor. The case, styled “R/L by and thru the Ministry of Justice versus Madam Jewel Howard Taylor,” lists several charges, including alleged importation of controlled drugs, unlicensed exportation of controlled drugs and substances, unlicensed sale, trading-in-transit, transportation of controlled substances, abuse of office, illicit trafficking, criminal conspiracy, criminal facilitation, criminal solicitation, money laundering and aiding the consummation of crimes.
The court’s withdrawal brings an end to preliminary examinations in the case. During Monday’s hearing, defense counsel informed the court that Taylor and her legal team had decided to withdraw an earlier request for a preliminary examination.
Counsel said the decision followed a review of the defense strategy and was intended to promote judicial economy and the speedy administration of justice, rather than delay or prejudice the proceedings. The prosecution initially noted that the preliminary examination had been requested by the defense and that, based on that request, the prosecution had already commenced presenting evidence.
However, prosecutors said they had no objection to the withdrawal, while asking the court to recognize what they described as the prosecution’s presentation of evidence establishing probable cause. The prosecution further requested that the matter be transferred to the appropriate venue so that the next stage of the proceedings could begin.
In its ruling, the court said that under Chapter 12 of Liberia’s Criminal Procedure Law, a preliminary examination is conducted only upon the request of the defendant and since the defense had decided to withdraw its request, the court concluded that it had no basis to deny the application.
Stipendiary Magistrate L. Ben Barco therefore granted the defense application and ordered the court clerk to transcribe the record and forward it to the appropriate court for further proceedings consistent with law. The ruling was issued under the court’s hand and seal on September 7, 2026.
Earlier, lawyers representing former Vice President Jewel Howard Taylor withdrawn their request for a preliminary examination of evidence in the ongoing criminal case. The defense reportedly informed the court that it was withdrawing the request because they no longer need the preliminary examination.
The withdrawal comes amid ongoing legal proceedings involving Taylor, who is facing serious drug-related allegations. Her lawyers had previously sought a preliminary examination as part of their challenge to the case and the evidence being relied upon by the prosecution.
This latest development is expected to shift the focus of the proceedings as the defense abandons that particular request. Madam Howard-Taylor remains at the center of a high-profile criminal case involving allegations including controlled-drug offenses, criminal conspiracy, facilitation, solicitation and related charges.
The former Vice President was recently granted compassionate medical release by Criminal Court “C,” with Judge Ousman F. Feika ordering her to remain under strict home detention and 24-hour security while the criminal proceedings continue.
