Nouakchott, Mauritania - The former governor of the Central Bank of Mauritania, Sid`El Moctar Ould Nagui, was arrested in the capital Nouakchott on corruption charges, officials said Saturday, alleging he misused or stole some 95 million dollars.

Some of the money was said to come from aid and development funds, according to officials close to the investigation which was now at an "advanced stage."

Moctar, who was being called upon by the government to return the money, was arrested on Wednesday, but no official reason was given for the measure at the time.

He served as the governor of the central bank from 1999 until 2003, when the then-government sent him to Paris as an ambassador for two years. Before, he was minister of economic affairs.

In 2005, a military coup ousted former president Maaouya Ould Sid`Ahmed Taya. Moctar was considered part of his close circle and subsequently fell from power.