Samura Kamara was chosen as the candidate for the All People's Congress three days ago.

He has denied any wrongdoing and says the case is politically motivated.

Mr Kamara served as finance and foreign affairs minister under the former president Ernest Bai Koroma.

The trial is due to begin next month.

The current president, Julius Maada Bio, is set to run for a second term.

The opposition APC has described his anti-corruption drive as a witch-hunt against the party.