The international police agency Interpol has arrested Nigeria’s former attorney general and justice minister, in connection with a corruption scandal over an oil deal worth more than $1bn (£770m).

Mohammed Adoke’s lawyer confirmed the arrest in Dubai but said it was based on an expired warrant.

Mr Adoke has in the past said he did not personally benefit from the sale of an offshore oilfield in 2011.

In April, Nigeria’s anti-corruption agency issued arrest warrants for Mr Adoke, along with a a former oil minister, Dan Etete, and a manager of the Italian oil company, Eni.

It led to several legal cases involving Nigerian government officials and senior executives from Eni and Royal Dutch Shell. Both companies deny any wrongdoing.