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By Seyi Babalola
Oghenochuko Ojiri, a Nigerian-British art trader and former television expert, has been accused with terrorism-related charges, according to the Metropolitan Police.
Ojiri, 53, also known as Ochuko Ojiri, of west London, is facing eight counts of “failing to make a disclosure during the course of business within the regulated sector” as part of an inquiry into potential terrorist financing.
The Met Police said the offences are believed to have taken place between October 2020 and December 2021. Mr Ojiri is scheduled to appear at Westminster Magistrates’ Court on Friday.
The charges are under Section 21A of the Terrorism Act of 2000. According to the force, this is the first time a charge of this nature has been filed.
The inquiry was carried out by the Met’s specialised arts and antiquities team in partnership with the Office of Financial Sanctions Implementation (OFSI) and HM Revenue & Customs.
Mr Ojiri is familiar to viewers of Bargain Hunt, where he served 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.
