MONROVIA, LIBERIA-Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah says former Vice President Jewel Howard-Taylor remains at the Police Headquarters in Monrovia as consultations continue ahead of her appearance in court.

Former Vice President Howard-Taylor was arrested, charged, and detained at the LNP headquarters on Wednesday in connection with drug trafficking in Liberia.

Minister Piah said: Although the former VP is in police custody, authorities are taking measures to ensure she is treated appropriately, given her status as a former Vice President”.

He clarified that she will not be forwarded to court immediately, noting that conversations are still ongoing at the police headquarters.

Minister Piah stressed that the government is mindful of the legal rights of the former Vice President and will ensure the investigation does not exceed the period allowed by law before a suspect is forwarded to court.

At the same time, Information Minister Jerolinmek Piah says the first group of 20 third-country nationals has arrived in Liberia.

Speaking Thursday at the Ministry of Information regular press briefing in Monrovia, Minister Piah confirmed that the first 20 arrivals came through the Roberts International Airport.

The information minister had previously announced that 1,200 third-country nationals would be transferred to Liberia over a period of one year.