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The University of Cambridge has transferred legal ownership of 116 Benin bronzes to Nigeria, marking a significant step in the restitution of artefacts looted during the 1897 sacking of Benin City by British forces.

The transfer was made to Nigeria’s National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) following a formal request in 2022 and approval by the university council and the UK Charity Commission.

While most of the artefacts will be returned to Nigeria, 17 pieces will remain on loan at Cambridge’s Museum of Archaeology and Anthropology for up to three years.

Nigerian officials welcomed the decision, calling it a restoration of dignity and expressing hope it will trigger a “domino effect” among other Western institutions holding Benin bronzes, including the British Museum.