Oghenochuko Ojiri, a Nigerian-British art dealer and former TV expert, has been charged with terrorism-related offences by the Metropolitan Police. Ojiri, 53, who also goes by the name Ochuko Ojiri and resides in west London, faces eight counts of failing to make required disclosures during business activities in the regulated sector. These charges are linked to an investigation into alleged terrorist financing and span the period from October 2020 to December 2021.
The charges, brought under Section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000, are significant as they mark the first time such an offence has been formally charged in the UK. Ojiri is set to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
The Met’s specialist arts and antiques unit led the investigation, with assistance from the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC). Ojiri, known to the public for his appearances on the BBC’s Bargain Hunt and other TV programmes like Antiques Road Trip and Storage: Flog the Lot!, is also the founder of Ramp Gallery, a contemporary art space in East London, which now operates under the name Ojiri Gallery.
The BBC has stated that commenting on the ongoing legal proceedings is inappropriate for Ojiri, who is a freelance presenter.
