Kenneth Okonkwo, spokesman for the African Democratic Congress (ADC) presidential candidate, Atiku Abubakar, has given further details about the circumstances surrounding Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) raiding his principal’s home in the United States. Okonkwo spoke during an interview from 8:28 on Channels Television on Thursday, September 3, 2026.
While responding to questions surrounding the William Jefferson case and allegations involving Atiku. According to him, the issue was raised against Atiku after efforts were allegedly made to damage his political career. “When he left, because they were targeting to ruin him, his political career, they sent to FBI of America that the congressman had something monetary to do with Atiku,” Okonkwo said.
He alleged that the FBI subsequently searched Atiku’s residence in Maryland without prior notice to him. “The FBI went into Atiku’s house in Maryland without telling Atiku. And they raided the house,” he said.
Okonkwo said that when American authorities contacted Atiku over the development, the former vice president gave them permission to proceed with the search. “That’s how Americans, when they called Atiku, Atiku told them, go ahead. They ransacked everywhere and they did not see anything,” he said.
According to Okonkwo, the FBI later searched the residence of Jefferson and allegedly found $100,000 there. “Then they went and ransacked the house of the congressman’s house and they saw 100,000 US dollars,” he said.
Okonkwo maintained that the findings of the investigation cleared Atiku of any involvement in bribery. “And that was how the American Senate made it clear that Atiku Abubakar had nothing with either seeking or accepting bribe from anybody,” he said.
He further argued that the financial transactions which had been questioned were legitimate transfers made to Atiku’s wife. “So, having said that, I’ve told you that all the wire transfers he made was to his wife’s account,” Okonkwo added.