By Stephen G. Fellajuah
MONROVIA, Liberia, July 30, 2026 — Joseph N. Boakai Jr., son of President Joseph Nyuma Boakai, has denied allegations linking him to international narcotics trafficking, insisting he has never engaged in illegal drug activities or used his relationship with the Presidency to influence government decisions.
The allegations emerged after a video circulated on social media, purportedly released by individuals claiming to be members of a Colombian drug cartel. The video accused Boakai Jr. of having ties to an international drug trafficking network and displayed what it claimed were his WhatsApp profile picture, phone number, and messages exchanged with a Colombian contact.
In a public statement issued Wednesday, Boakai Jr. said he was compelled to respond because his name had become the subject of significant public attention.
He said that despite repeated claims over the past three years linking him to government transactions and business dealings, he has deliberately remained removed from the day-to-day affairs of government since early 2024.
“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 family, not constitutional authority,” he said.
Boakai Jr. said he chose to distance himself from government activities to avoid any perception of undue influence.
Addressing the drug allegations, he described narcotics trafficking as a serious threat to Liberia and maintained that he has always supported efforts to combat the illegal drug trade.
“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 to the Presidency to shield anyone from accountability,” he said.
According to Boakai Jr., the controversy began when he received a threatening WhatsApp message at about 3 a.m. from a number identified as originating from Colombia accusing him of involvement in drug trafficking.
He said he rejected the allegations, blocked the sender, and immediately reported the incident, along with screenshots of the exchange, to the Liberia National Police and the National Security Agency.
Boakai Jr. alleged that the video later circulated on social media omitted his response denying the accusations, creating what he described as a false impression of his involvement.
He also addressed public speculation surrounding his relationship with Ibrahima Touré, saying they met earlier this year through a mutual acquaintance, Habib Sheriff.
According to him, their discussions centered on sports development initiatives involving the Real Madrid Foundation, as well as possible healthcare and telemedicine projects for Liberia.
Boakai Jr. said he made it clear from the outset that he was not a government official and therefore could not represent the Government of Liberia or make commitments on its behalf. He added that later discussions focused on potential private investments in the hospitality and food service sectors, none of which came to fruition.
Responding to speculation about his friendship with businessman Mark Kuiah, Boakai Jr. said their personal relationship does not place anyone above the law.
He maintained that anyone found to have violated Liberia’s laws should face due process but cautioned against making accusations without credible evidence.
Boakai Jr. welcomed what he described as a full, impartial, and independent investigation by the Liberia National Police, the Liberia Drug Enforcement Agency, the National Security Agency, or any other competent authority, pledging his full cooperation.
He also challenged anyone with credible evidence against him to submit it to law enforcement authorities rather than circulate allegations on social media.
Boakai Jr. concluded by urging Liberians, particularly young people, to support the fight against narcotics, saying combating drug trafficking requires the collective efforts of government, families, communities, religious institutions, and citizens.
He reaffirmed his commitment to pursuing legitimate business opportunities while respecting Liberia’s laws and institutions, adding that no one, including the son of a president, is above the law.
