Appeal court affirms nullification of CAMA provisions on CAC powers over religious, others

The Court of Appeal has upheld a lower court ruling that nullified specific sections of the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA) concerning the regulatory powers of the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) over religious organizations and other non-profit entities. The appellate court determined that sections 839, 842, 843, 844, 845, 846, 847, and 848 of the Act were inconsistent with the Nigerian Constitution.

According to the court, these provisions infringed upon fundamental rights, including the freedom of thought, conscience, religion, association, and peaceful assembly. By striking down these sections, the court has effectively limited the authority of the CAC to intervene in the internal affairs and management of religious and charitable institutions.