Government searched the U.S. home of Nigerian Vice President

The government confirmed Saturday that the U.S. home of Nigerian Vice President Atiku Abubakar had been searched as part of a federal investigation, which news reports have linked to a Louisiana congressman.

A State Department spokeswoman would not confirm when the search occurred, referring questions to the Justice Department. A Justice spokesman declined to comment.

The Times-Picayune of New Orleans first reported that agents had searched Abubakar's home in Potomac, Maryland on Aug. 3. On the same day, FBI agents searched the Washington and New Orleans homes of Rep. William Jefferson, an eight-term Democrat.

Abubakar could not be reached for comment. A phone number for his residence was not listed. The Nigerian Embassy was not open, AP reports.