Taiwan's media say a court has ruled that former leader Ko Wen-je of Taiwan's third largest party be detained again. The former chairman of the Taiwan People's Party was on bail after being indicted on charges of corruption.

Reports say a court in Taipei made the decision on Thursday night, citing risks he may flee or destroy evidence.

The TPP issued a statement that the detention is an abuse of power and that the party will prove Ko's innocence.

Ko had served as Taipei mayor until 2022. He was indicted in December last year on charges of accepting bribes of about 520,000 US dollars in return for favor given to a company for a construction project in the city in 2020.

Ko was later released on bail. He has argued that he was never involved in illegal acts such as corruption.

The court decision came in response to prosecutors' appeals against Ko's bail.

Ko stepped down as TPP leader on Wednesday, saying that he does not want the party to be affected by a political case.