The family of a teenager allegedly being held against his will in Nigeria have 10 days to return him to Britain or they will face jail.

Edirin Onogeta-Idogun claims he was beaten and forced to undergo exorcisms because his mother disapproved of his lifestyle and reluctance to get married.

The 17-year-old Londoner said he was "tricked" into going back to his homeland, and his whereabouts are now unknown.

Last July he took advantage of recently introduced laws that allow people at risk of forced marriage to take out protection orders against their families.

Edirin came to Britain with his mother Lydia Erhire in 2004 and settled in Newham. His father, John Idogun, is the special adviser to the governor of Delta State in Nigeria.

When Edirin informed British authorities that his parents had broken the terms of the order, the courts ordered Ms Erhire to have her son sent back to London and yesterday warned that if he was not returned by February 14 she would be sent to prison.

Ms Erhire and Mr Idogun deny the allegations.