Cambridge Returns Legal Ownership of 116 Benin Artefacts to Nigeria

Cambridge University officially transfers ownership of 116 looted Benin artefacts to the NCMM. Read the full details.

On February 9, 2026, the University of Cambridge formally transferred the legal ownership of 116 Benin artefacts to Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM). This move turns years of discussions, requests, and promises into a legally binding decision, backed by approval from the UK Charity Commission.

The decision was announced by Cambridge a day earlier and follows a formal request submitted by the NCMM in January 2022. After reviewing the claim, the University’s Council supported the transfer, and authorisation was granted by the UK Charity Commission, clearing the final legal hurdle.

By Gift Davies.
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