Oghenochuko “Ochuko” Ojiri is a British-Nigerian art dealer and television personality, best known for his role as an expert on BBC’s Bargain Hunt and other antiques shows. He is the founder of the Ojiri Gallery in East London, formerly known as Ramp Gallery. In 2025, Ojiri made headlines after pleading guilty to terrorism-related offenses connected to art sales involving a sanctioned individual.
Profile Summary
| Full Name | Oghenochuko “Ochuko” Ojiri |
| Nationality | British-Nigerian |
| Spouse | N/A |
| Occupation | Art dealer, TV expert, gallery founder |
| Notable Shows | Bargain Hunt, Antiques Road Trip, Storage: Flog the Lot! |
| Legal Issues | Pleaded guilty to 8 counts under Terrorism Act 2000 for failure to report art sales |
| Gallery | Founder of Ramp Gallery (Ojiri Gallery), East London |
| Net Worth | Not publicly disclosed |
| Achievements | TV expert, gallery founder, first prosecuted under section 21A of Terrorism Act 2000 |
Early Life and Education
Information about Ochuko Ojiri’s early life and education is not publicly available. He is of British-Nigerian heritage and lives in West London, but details about his upbringing or academic background remain undisclosed.
Career
Ojiri established himself as a respected art dealer and gallery owner in London, founding the Ramp Gallery, which was later renamed the Ojiri Gallery. The gallery became a prominent venue for contemporary art in East London.
He gained wider recognition through his freelance work as an expert and presenter on British television, particularly on BBC’s Bargain Hunt.
He also appeared on Antiques Road Trip and Channel 5’s Storage: Flog the Lot!, sharing his expertise in art and antiques. Ojiri was not a BBC employee but worked as a freelancer, with his last TV appearances in 2023.
Personal Life
Details about Ojiri’s personal life, including family and relationships, are not publicly known. He is based in West London and identifies as British-Nigerian.
Legal Issues
In 2025, Ochuko Ojiri pleaded guilty to eight counts of failing to disclose information during business activities, violating section 21A of the UK Terrorism Act 2000. This case was the first of its kind in the UK.
The charges arose from Ojiri’s failure to report art sales totaling around £140,000 to Nazem Ahmad, a man sanctioned by the US and UK for alleged ties to Hezbollah, a designated terrorist organization. Prosecutors stated that Ojiri was aware of Ahmad’s status, having reviewed news reports and discussed the matter with others. Despite seeking advice on compliance, Ojiri did not take the necessary steps to fulfill legal obligations.
Ojiri’s sentencing is scheduled for June 6, 2025, with a maximum potential sentence of five years in prison.
Ochuko Ojiri Net Worth
Ochuko Ojiri’s net worth is not publicly disclosed, however, his success as an art dealer and television expert, and the significant value of the art transactions involved in his legal case, it is likely he has accumulated substantial assets.
Achievements
- Television Presence: Became a familiar expert on British TV antiques programs such as Bargain Hunt and Antiques Road Trip.
- Gallery Founder: Established the Ramp Gallery (now Ojiri Gallery), contributing to the East London contemporary art scene.
- Legal Milestone: His case represents the first prosecution under section 21A of the Terrorism Act 2000 for failure to report suspected terrorist financing in the UK art sector.
