BBC reports that the leader of the Islamic sect that has been battling Nigerian authorities has died in custody

The leader of an Islamic sect blamed for days of deadly violence in Nigeria has been killed in custody, police officials say.

The announcement came just hours after police said they had captured Mohammed Yusuf in the city of Maiduguri.

Mr Yusuf leads Boko Haram, which wants to overthrow the government and impose a strict version of Islamic law.

His followers have been blamed for violence in the north-east that has left more than 300 people dead.

"He has been killed. You can come and see his body at the state police command headquarters," said Isa Azare, spokesman for the Maiduguri police command, told Reuters news agency.