The Kenyan High Commissioner to Nigeria, Wilfred Gisuka Machage, told journalists in Abuja the allegation that his country was involved was “fictional, imaginary and concocted”.

He challenged those accusing Kenya to provide evidence.

He was responding to speculation that Mr Kanu was arrested in the East African country.

One of Mr Kanu’s brothers was quoted by the media as making the accusation.

The high commissioner says Kenya has no intention of interfering in Nigeria’s internal affairs.

The Nigerian government had said Mr Kanu was arrested on Sunday but declined to disclose where and how he was picked up.

He was initially held in 2015 on treason charges but then fled the country in 2017 while on bail.

He has been living in the UK and has British nationality. The British authorities have also denied any links to his arrest.

Mr Kanu is a popular figure for some in south-east Nigeria, and has been a thorn in the side of Nigerian authorities since 2009.