Police arrest former PM in Niger

Hama Amadou has denied accusations of corruption

Police in Niger have arrested former Prime Minister Hama Amadou on corruption charges.

Mr Amadou is accused by President Mamadou Tandja's government of embezzling state funds.

He has denied the charges, saying he is the victim of a politically motivated campaign to stop him standing for president in 2009.

Mr Amadou had been the favourite to replace Mr Tandja until he was ousted as prime minister last year.

Police used teargas to stop a demonstration of about 100 people protesting against Mr Amadou's arrest in front of the high court in the capital, Niamey, Reuters news agency reported.

Mr Amadou is accused of embezzling 100m CFA francs (more than $237,000) and could face jail if convicted.

He was prime minster for seven years before leaving office last year in the midst of a separate corruption scandal.

Niger is one of the world's poorest countries. It is also a major producer of uranium.