BBC Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip star Ochuko Ojiri has pleaded guilty to eight charges related to funding terrorism.
The 53-year-old art dealer, who has featured on the hit BBC shows for several years, attended Westminster Magistrates’ Court this morning.
He was the first person to be charged with a specific offence under section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000.
This includes eight counts of failing to make a disclosure during the course of business within the regulated sector – and which he has now admitted.
The charges against the TV personality, whose full name is Oghenochuko Ojiri, covered a period from October 2020 to December 2021.
Ojiri, from west London, was previously the owner of a vintage shop in the capital called Pelicans & Parrots that shut its doors in 2021.
The shop, which was dubbed ‘the coolest place in London’, sold contemporary furniture, curated houseware and gifts.
Ojiri, an antiques specialist, first appeared on screens on the BBC’s Put Your Money Where Your Mouth Is.
BBC Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip star Ochuko Ojiri has appeared in court charged over alleged terrorist group funding – he is seen here today outside Westminster Magistrates’ Court
Ochuko Ojiri, 53, has been a regular face on BBC shows for several years
He then became a regular on Bargain Hunt, gaining a reputation for his enthusiastic on-screen demeanor and love of hats.
Ojiri has also starred on Antiques Road Trip since 2021 – travelling around the UK while attempting to make a profit on forgotten items.
Away from his broadcast career, Ojiri founded the Ramp Gallery, a venue specialising in emerging and contemporary artists.
He has previously described his love of collecting items including contemporary art, paintings, prints, sculpture and drawings.
‘I’m absolutely obsessed, in love and infatuated,’ he told the BBC.
Asked what he liked about appearing on Bargain Hunt, he said: ‘Who doesn’t like a bargain? I certainly do.
‘I also love the passion of the contestants, and their many likes and dislikes.’
Ojiri said he also enjoyed travelling during his television work, adding: ‘Every time you set out, it’s an adventure with endless possibilities.
The 53-year-old art dealer, who has featured on the hit BBC shows for several years, attended Westminster Magistrates’ Court this morning
The TV personality has been charged over alleged offences said to have occurred between October 2020 and December 2021
Police said that he had become the first person to be charged with a specific offence under section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000
Ojiri has gained a reputation for his enthusiastic on-screen demeanor and love of hats
‘When I find something I love my heart pounds. There’s no other feeling like it.’
The investigation that prompted the charges against Ojiri was carried out by officers from the National Terrorist Financial Investigation Unit (NTFIU), which is part of the Metropolitan Police’s Counter Terrorism Command.
The Treasury, HMRC and the Met’s Arts & Antiques Unit were all also involved in the probe, police said.
Ojiri has not worked on BBC programmes since 2023.
A BBC spokesman said: ‘It would not be appropriate to comment on ongoing legal proceedings.’
