A close ally of Bouteflika, Ouyahia is the most senior figure to be detained since mass protests broke out earlier this year demanding the removal of the ruling elite and their prosecution.
Ouyahia, who left the government in March as part of a cabinet reshuffle, is being investigated over corruption cases including "awarding illegal privileges", state television reported.
His former transport minister, Abdelghani Zaalane, was also auditioned by the Supreme Court in connection with a corruption investigation, France24 reports.