Saadi Gaddafi, the deceased Libyan leader's third son, has denied allegations that he planned to escape to Mexico illegally under a false name back in September.

His lawyer said Saadi Gaddafi "vigorously denies" the plot, which was reported based on statements from the Mexican authorities.

Nick Kaufman, a defence lawyer, via email on Friday that his client fled Libya out of fear for his life, and that he is grateful to Niger, which has granted him asylum.