MONROVIA, LIBERIA — September 1, 2026: Former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor has asked the Monrovia City Court to postpone her preliminary examination by one day, citing illness and the need to consult a physician familiar with her medical history.
In a communication dated September 1, 2026, Taylor's legal team petitioned Stipendiary Magistrate Cllr. L. Ben Barcoto continue the matter from Tuesday, September 1, to Wednesday, September 2, at a time convenient to the court.
The request was filed at approximately 7:54 a.m. on September 1, according to a handwritten notation on the document.
Taylor's lawyers said their client is presently unwell but remains willing to participate in all stages of the preliminary examination.
According to the communication, Taylor had a medical consultation scheduled for September 1 and had requested that the Ministry of Justice permit her to be examined by a physician familiar with her medical history.
The lawyers argued that postponing the hearing for one day would allow the former Vice President to receive the necessary medical attention before returning to court.
The communication was signed by Cllr. Laveli Supuwood, Cllr. Kabineh Ja'neh, and Cllr. Finley Y. Karngar.
Taylor is currently detained at the Monrovia Central Prison in connection with a major drug-trafficking investigation. The Monrovia City Court previously granted her request for a preliminary examination but denied her application for compassionate medical detention.
The preliminary examination had earlier been moved to September 2, following a continuance requested by the prosecution because senior state lawyers were participating in the closing activities of the Supreme Court's March Term.
Taylor faces allegations including importation and unlicensed exportation of controlled drugs, illicit trafficking, criminal conspiracy, facilitation, solicitation, money laundering, and aiding the consummation of crime. She has not been convicted, and the allegations remain subject to judicial determination.
The former Vice President's legal team has denied the allegations and indicated that it intends to vigorously defend her.
The court's decision on the latest request for continuance was not stated in the communication itself.