A Nigerian-British art dealer, Oghenochuko Orji, has pleaded guilty to terrorism financing charges in the United Kingdom after failing to report artwork sales to a man linked to the proscribed Hezbollah group.
Orji, who is also known for his appearances on the BBC’s popular programme Bargain Hunt, was arraigned on Friday at Westminster Magistrates’ Court, London, on an eight-count charge under Section 21(a) of the UK Terrorism Act 2000. This marks the first prosecution of its kind in the country.
According to reports by the BBC, the charges stem from transactions conducted between October 2020 and December 2021, during which Orji’s art company, Ramp Gallery, sold artworks valued at £140,000 to Nazem Ahmad, a Lebanese national accused of financing Hezbollah.
Nazem Ahmad has been under US sanctions since 2019 and was added to the UK terrorism watchlist in 2023.
The Iran-backed Hezbollah has been designated a terrorist organisation by both the US and UK governments.
During court proceedings, Prosecutor Lyndon Harris told the court that Orji had seen media reports detailing Ahmad’s alleged links to terrorism and had discussed them with others.
Despite this, Orji continued business dealings with Ahmad and even congratulated him on his art purchases.
Harris added that although Ramp Gallery sought third-party compliance advice on the sales, the recommendations were ultimately ignored.
“There is one discussion where Orji is party to a conversation where it is apparent a lot of people have known for years about [Ahmad’s] terrorism links,” Harris said.
District Judge Briony Clarke granted Orji bail but ordered the surrender of his passport ahead of sentencing, which has been scheduled for June 6 at the Old Bailey.
Orji remains a prominent figure in the British art scene and among diaspora Nigerians, with a substantial following due to his media presence and expertise in antique dealing.
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