A British-Nigerian art dealer, Ogeneochuko Ojiri, has been sentenced to two and a half years in prison for failing to report high-value art transactions involving Nazem Ahmad, a man suspected of financing Hezbollah.
Ojiri, 53, who appeared on the BBC program Antiques Road Trip, admitted to selling approximately £140,000 worth of artwork to Ahmad despite knowing his alleged links to the terrorist organization.
Ojiri pleaded guilty to eight counts under the Terrorism Act 2000 for withholding information that could prevent terrorism financing, making him the first person charged under Section 21A of the Act.
Prosecutors revealed that Ojiri deliberately concealed their dealings, manipulated invoices, and saved Ahmad’s name under an alias in his phone, driven by greed and a desire to boost his business reputation.
Justice Cheema-Grubb criticized Ojiri’s actions, stating, “You knew it was your duty to alert the authorities but you elected to balance the financial profit and commercial success of your business against Ahmad’s dark side.”
Ojiri’s arrest occurred on April 18, 2023, while filming a BBC show, and Ahmad was sanctioned by the UK government on the same day.
Authorities seized artworks valued at nearly £1 million, including pieces by Picasso and Warhol, from two UK warehouses.
