Gadhafi son said to be in Niger

NIAMEY, Niger -- A convoy carrying ousted Libyan leader Moammar Gadhafi's son al-Saadi has crossed into neighboring Niger, a spokesman for Niger's government said Sunday, one of the highest-profile former regime figures to flee to the landlocked African nation.

Al-Saadi, the fugitive ruler's 37-year-old son, entered Niger in a convoy with nine other people, said Niger Justice Minister Amadou Morou.

The vehicles were traveling south toward the outpost of Agadez, where other fleeing Libyan loyalists are believed to be holed up in a hotel.

Morou said al-Saadi "has no status at all" in Niger, indicating that he has not been granted refugee status, which would guarantee him certain rights. -- AP