Nigerian authorities filed charges Tuesday against ex-US vice president Dick Cheney and several others over a bribery scandal allegedly involving energy firm Halliburton, the prosecutor said.

"It includes Dick Cheney," said prosecutor Godwin Obla of the 16-count charge filed at a court in the Nigerian capital Abuja.

Accused ... Dick Cheney Credit:Reuters

"There are conspiracy charges and giving gratification to public officers. There is also a charge for obstruction of justice."

A spokesman for the country's anti-graft agency confirmed the charges had been filed against nine suspects, including Cheney, who was head of Halliburton before becoming vice president after the US elections in 2000.