Joseph N. Boakai Jr., son of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, has denied allegations linking him to narcotics trafficking, describing the claims as false and calling for a full and impartial investigation by Liberia’s security institutions.
In a statement released Wednesday, Boakai Jr. said the fight against drug trafficking must go beyond politics and personal interests, urging authorities to identify, prosecute, and hold accountable anyone involved in bringing illegal drugs into Liberia.
“Liberia is confronting one of the greatest challenges facing our generation, and every Liberian, regardless of political affiliation or social standing, should want those responsible for the presence of drugs in this country to be identified, prosecuted, and brought to justice. This fight is bigger than politics and it is bigger than personalities,” he said.
His statement comes amid public discussions on social media after his name was mentioned in connection with an ongoing drug-related controversy.
Boakai Jr. said he had avoided responding to previous rumors over the past three years because he believed addressing every allegation could distract from his personal life and the work of government institutions. However, he said the seriousness of the latest claims required a public response.
He clarified that he has intentionally stayed away from government affairs since early 2024 to avoid any perception that he uses his position as the President’s son to influence state decisions.
“I have never held myself out as a government official. I neither make government decisions nor direct government institutions. My relationship to the Presidency is one of a family — not constitutional authority,” he stated.
Addressing the allegations, Boakai Jr. said he received a threatening WhatsApp message from a Colombian telephone number around 3:00 a.m., accusing him of involvement in drug trafficking. He said he rejected the claims, blocked the sender, and reported the matter to the Liberia National Police and the National Security Agency.
According to him, a video later circulated online showing his WhatsApp profile picture, phone number, and the threatening message, but excluded his response denying the allegations.
Boakai Jr. also explained his connection to Ibrahima Touré, whose photograph appeared alongside his in the circulating video. He said they met earlier this year through mutual acquaintance Habib Sheriff and discussed sports development initiatives, including a possible partnership involving the Real Madrid Foundation, as well as private business opportunities.
He insisted that their discussions never involved illegal activities.
“At no point did Mr. Touré ask me to facilitate anything illegal. At no point did he ask me to use my family name or any perceived influence to obtain favors from the government,” he said.
The President’s son also addressed public conversations surrounding his friendship with businessman Mark Kuiah, stating that personal relationships should not protect anyone from facing justice if they break the law.
“If any friend of mine is found to have violated the laws of this Republic, that person must answer before the law like every other citizen. I will never interfere with that process. But likewise, I will never falsely accuse someone simply to satisfy public opinion,” he said.
Boakai Jr. strongly denied any involvement in narcotics trafficking, saying he has never facilitated illegal drug activities, accepted money for influence, or used his relationship with the Presidency to protect anyone from accountability.
“I have never participated in discussions involving narcotics trafficking. I have never facilitated illegal drug activity. I have never accepted money in exchange for influence. I have never used my relationship with the Presidency to shield anyone from accountability,” he stated.
He welcomed investigations by the Liberia National Police, Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, National Security Agency, or any other authorized institution, adding that he has nothing to hide.
Boakai Jr. urged authorities to rely on evidence and due process rather than social media speculation, calling on Liberians, especially young people, to support the fight against narcotics.
“History has taught us that rumors come and go, but truth endures,” he said, while calling for security institutions to be allowed to carry out their duties “without fear, without favor, and without political influence.”
