A former Nigerian finance minister, Anthony Ani, has alleged that more than one billion dollars was irregularly withdrawn from government funds under the rule of the late military leader, General Abacha.

Mr Ani said he discovered the missing money while reconciling state accounts for the handover to the new military ruler, General Abubakar.

Mr Ani said withdrawals were made on General Abacha's personal authority by his security adviser, Ismaila Gwarzo, ostensibly for security purposes.

Some funds were traced to Beirut and Mr Ani said that he had managed to recover seven hundred million dollars.

Mr Gwarzo was recently freed after a three-month detention period.