FBI Raids Atiku Abubakar's Home in 2005 Investigation

On August 3, 2005, the FBI conducted a search of the Maryland residence of Atiku Abubakar, who was Nigeria’s Vice President at the time. This action was part of a broader investigation into U.S.

Congressman William Jefferson, focusing on whether he made or approved payments to officials in West Africa. The investigation particularly scrutinized Jefferson's interactions with Atiku Abubakar and Ghana’s Vice President, Aliu Mahama.

Federal agents sought records that could indicate if Jefferson had offered payments to Nigerian or Ghanaian officials. The inquiry was linked to a telecommunications deal involving iGate Corp., a Kentucky-based company, which Jefferson was promoting in Nigeria.

Following the raid, a Nigerian presidential spokeswoman stated that the presidency was using diplomatic channels to understand the situation. A U.S.

State Department official confirmed the search of Abubakar's house, while the Justice Department declined to comment on the matter.