UK-based Nigerian art dealer charged with terrorism-related offences

Oghenochuko Ojiri, a Nigerian-British art dealer and former television expert, has been officially charged with offences connected to terrorism, as announced by the Metropolitan Police in the United Kingdom.

The 53-year-old, who is also known by the name Ochuko Ojiri and resides in West London, is facing eight different charges for allegedly failing to report important information during his business operations in a regulated sector.

According to the Metropolitan Police, the alleged offences took place between October 2020 and December 2021. Mr. Ojiri is expected to appear in court at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday to answer to the charges.

The charges fall under section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000. According to the force, this marks the first time a charge of this kind has been brought.

The investigation was conducted by the Met’s specialist arts and antiques unit in collaboration with the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) and HM Revenue & Customs (HMRC).

Mr Ojiri is known to viewers of Bargain Hunt, where he appeared as an expert.

According to the BBC, he is not a BBC employee but a freelance presenter who has also featured on Antiques Road Trip and Channel 5’s Storage: Flog the Lot!.

The BBC stated: “It would not be appropriate to comment on ongoing legal proceedings.”

Ojiri is also the founder of Ramp Gallery, a contemporary art space in east London, now known as the Ojiri Gallery.