By Uzair Adam
The Kano State Hisbah Board says it will soon introduce mandatory mental health tests for intending couples as part of measures to address the rising cases of domestic violence and divorce.
Deputy Commander-General of Hisbah, Mujahideen Aminudeen, disclosed this while speaking to journalists, noting that many marital crises are linked to mental health challenges.
“We have realized that many of the problems we see in marriages today are linked to mental health. The test will help us know if both partners are truly ready to live together without harming one another,” Aminudeen said.
He explained that during marital counseling sessions, many women are discovered to be battling anxiety and depression, which makes mental health stability crucial for successful unions.
The Hisbah chief also expressed concern over the sale and use of alcohol and intoxicants in homes, describing them as major contributors to mental health problems.
“We have uncovered that there are women at home who are selling alcohol and other intoxicants. This is a major cause for concern for us and it is adding to the mental health crisis,” he said.
Aminudeen further stated that the policy would also cover divorcees whose marriages are sponsored by the state government.
“We already have a series of mandatory tests before marriage, like genotype and sexually transmitted diseases, so adding a mental health evaluation will not be a stretch,” he explained.
He advised parents to thoroughly investigate the character of prospective suitors before approving marriages, stressing that family scrutiny remains vital.