Mental Health Identified as a Major Cause of Marital Problems – Aminudeen

The Deputy Commander-General of the Kano State Hisbah Board, Mujahideen Aminudeen, has revealed that a significant number of marital crises are linked to mental health issues.

According to him, the Hisbah Board has initiated a plan to make mental health evaluations mandatory for intending couples before marriage. This move, he explained, is designed to curb the rising cases of domestic violence and divorce within the state.

Speaking in an interview with LMSINT MEDIA, Aminudeen stressed that the new measure would help couples begin their marriages on a healthy and peaceful foundation.

“We have observed that many of the challenges experienced in marriages today are strongly connected to mental health problems. By introducing a mental health test, we can properly determine whether both partners are mentally prepared to live together without conflict or violence,” he stated.

Aminudeen further explained that during Hisbah’s marital counseling sessions, many women are discovered to be struggling with anxiety and depression, conditions that often destabilize marriages. He maintained that ensuring mental stability is essential for the success of any marital union.

Another pressing concern raised by the Deputy Commander-General was the widespread use of alcohol and intoxicating substances. He revealed that Hisbah has uncovered several cases of women selling such substances in their homes, which he described as a growing contributor to mental health problems in society.

“We have found that some women are secretly selling alcohol and other intoxicants from their homes. This is deeply troubling and is worsening the mental health crisis among families,” Aminudeen emphasized.

On the issue of official marriage requirements in Kano State, Aminudeen explained that the new mental health test will complement the existing tests already required before marriage. These include genotype tests and screenings for sexually transmitted infections (STIs). He clarified that the same mental health screening would also apply to divorcees whose marriages are sponsored by the state government.

In addition, he advised parents to carefully investigate the character and background of suitors before giving approval for marriage, noting that prevention remains better than cure in addressing marital instability.

This announcement comes shortly after a tragic incident in Farawa Quarters, Kano, in May 2025, where 18-year-old Saudat Jibril allegedly killed her husband, Salisu Idris, just nine days after their wedding. The disturbing case further highlighted the urgent need for stronger preventive measures to reduce violent and unstable marriages in society.