Crime
Psychiatrists: Marriage To Wrong Person Can Trigger Suicidal Thoughts, Depression
Psychiatrists: Marriage To Wrong Person Can Trigger Suicidal Thoughts, Depression
A toxic marriage with frequent conflicts due to marrying the wrong person could have a devastating impact on one’s mental health, according to psychiatrists.
The mental health experts cautioned that marrying the wrong partner could lead to depression, anxiety, and even suicidal thoughts, stressing that marital conflict negatively affects the mental health of both husbands and wives.
Speaking exclusively with PUNCH Healthwise, the physicians emphasised the importance of choosing the right partner, pointing out that marrying someone not compatible might also lead to persistent stress, regret, and anxiety.
There has been a disturbing trend of individuals taking their own lives due to marital problems and related issues.
PUNCH Healthwise reports that this alarming trend has been observed in various cases, including two recent incidents involving Nigerian nationals residing in the United States.
In one of the cases, a 64-year-old Nigerian professor at Kutztown University in Pennsylvania, Chukwudubem Okafor, fatally shot his Jamaican wife, Cheryl, before taking his own life in a tragic murder-suicide.
According to Detective Joel Vonnille of the Berks County Coroner’s Office, the investigation revealed that the couple had marital problems, which led to the devastating incident.
In another incident, a 36-year-old Nigerian cardiologist based in the United States, Dr. Ikenna Erinne, reportedly committed suicide after losing a child support case to his ex-wife.
The prolonged divorce battle, including the custody of their children, had taken a toll on Dr. Erinne, who was ordered to pay $15,000 in monthly child support.
These tragic incidents highlight the growing concern of marital problems leading to mental health issues and, in extreme cases, suicide.
Reacting, some mental health experts who spoke with our correspondent, stressed that marrying the wrong partner could have severe consequences on one’s mental health, including depression, anxiety, and even suicidal tendencies.
A Psychiatrist, Dr Sunday Amosu emphasised the significance of selecting a compatible marriage partner.
Amosu, who is the Head of Drug Addiction Treatment Education Research at Federal Neuropsychiatric Hospital, Aro, Abeokuta, Ogun State, noted that ignoring parental advice and proceeding with a marriage that was not approved could lead to a range of problems, including depression, anxiety, and suicidal tendencies.
According to the mental health physician, when individuals enter into a marriage without proper guidance and support, they may struggle with feelings of isolation, loneliness, and depression.
He explained that this could be particularly challenging when the relationship turns sour, and the individual feels unable to seek help from their parents or other trusted authorities.
Amosu stressed the importance of pre-marital counseling, noting that many people get into problems because they didn’t undergo counseling before getting married.
He advised individuals to seek the services of professional counselors, mentors, or accountability partners who can provide guidance and support during and after marriage.
The psychiatrist also noted that marital problems could have severe consequences on mental health, including depression, anxiety disorders, and even suicidal tendencies.
He emphasised that individuals should prioritise their mental health and well-being when choosing a partner, rather than ignoring potential red flags or sacrificing their happiness for the sake of the relationship.
“So, people should not die in suffering. When there is violence, don’t keep quiet. Don’t die in silence. Cry out. If you cry out, the solution may be on the way. Somebody may come to your rescue.
“We know that sometimes the couple may need to separate for some time and later come together again rather than being killed like a chicken. I think people should not die in silence. They should come out.
“What is yours will always be yours. We encourage people to come out and speak out. If this man will marry you, he will still marry you. If this lady will marry you, she will still marry you. If you go into marriage under deceit, and this person gets that discomfort, he or she may leave you. And the fear you had at the beginning of not losing, ultimately will still happen. Then is it worth the trouble? We must be sincere in marriage,” he stressed.
Speaking further on how marriage can lead to mental breakdown, the psychiatrist added, “It has also been found that marital discord usually precedes depression in those who are married. So, another group of people are those who have suffered a mental breakdown, because they didn’t tell their spouse, whether it is the husband or the wife, how exactly they feel.
When either of the partners discovers, usually a lack of trust will come in.
“When there is a lack of trust, the person will not trust again; it will be a serious one. And sometimes the marriage may break down.
“Also, when there are major life challenges that people go through, maybe exit events, somebody suddenly dies, it is a sort of kidnapping, ritualism, an armed robber came to the house and raped the wife in the presence of the husband, they may not enjoy that relationship again.
“These are major life traumas. Even with the stresses that we go through, and the challenge of our children; maybe they are not doing well in school as expected. So, all those things will tend to people developing depression.
“Even physical illness. When they have some physical illness and they have to use medication for a long time, people have cancer. They also develop depression.
“So, all these are in the context of a relationship. If a partner is not aware, there will be a problem later.”
Continuing, the mental health physician said, “Today, it is important that our youth must be patient when it comes to relationships. Even for parents, we must be able to guide our children appropriately.
“What we need is to support them, remove sentiment, and be sure that they’ll be able to live together and all the necessary support that they need in marriage, we must be able to give them.
If they are not able to cope, if one partner is not happy, they may also have a mental breakdown. Most of the time, it is usually with depression. So, parents need to be careful.
“Youth must be sure of what they are going into. Like I always warn, if parents are saying no, please be careful. If you are a male like me and you have younger siblings who are female, if you bring somebody and they don’t approve, you need to be very careful.
“People must be careful. We must make an informed decision and be sure that we are making the right decision. If not, sometimes people will have to live with regret for the rest of their lives.”
On his part, a psychiatrist at the Federal Neuro-Psychiatric Hospital, Yaba, Lagos State, Dr. Oyebode Fadipe emphasised the importance of choosing the right partner.
According to him, marrying someone who is not compatible with you can lead to a lot of conflict and stress.
Fadipe explained that when individuals are in a relationship with someone who does not understand or support them, it can lead to feelings of loneliness and isolation.
He further stated that when individuals are in a relationship with someone who does not share their values or goals, it could lead to feelings of frustration and resentment.
He noted that marrying the wrong person can also lead to a loss of identity.
Psychiatrists
When you’re in a relationship with someone who is controlling or manipulative, you can start to lose sense of who you are and what you want,” he said.
The psychiatrist noted that it is essential for individuals to take the time to get to know someone before committing to marriage.
He warned, “Rushing into a marriage without properly getting to know the person can lead to disastrous consequences.
“Being able to communicate effectively with your partner is crucial for building a strong and healthy relationship.”
The physician stressed the need for individuals to prioritise their mental health and well-being when choosing a partner.
“You should never feel like you are sacrificing your happiness or well-being for the sake of a relationship,” he said.
Maiduguri Court Jails One Fraudster For N13m Fraud
Justice Mohammed Maina of the Borno State High Court sitting in Maiduguri, on Wednesday April, 15, 2026 convicted and sentenced Akeem Oriade Adeyinka to various jail terms for obtaining money under false pretence to the tune of N13,000,000( Thirteen Million Naira).
The convict was arraigned on Wednesday, September 23, 2025 by the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, on two-count separate charges bordering on obtaining by false pretence and criminal misappropriation to the tune of N3,000,000 (Three Million Naira) and N10,000,000.00 (Ten Million Naira) respectively.
Count one reads: “That you, Akeem Oriade Adeyinka with National Identification Number 44795766679 sometimes in 2024 at Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, did obtain the gross sum of N3,000,000 (Three Million Naira) from Oseni Ibrahim Alani purportedly as money for financing a contract a claimed which you knew to be false, and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences, Act 2006 and Punishable under section (3) of the same Act.”
Another count reads: “That you, Akeem Oriade Adeyinka on or about June, 2024 in Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, with intent to defraud obtain the aggregate sum of N10,000,000 (Ten Million Naira) from Haruna Malim under the false pretence that same is meant for an investment into the business of purchase and supply of counting machine (aka dropper) and Automated Teller Machine parts in order to execute a contract you secured in Cameroon, a representation which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences, Act 2006 and Punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act.”
The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charges preferred against him, prompting prosecution counsel, S.O Saka and A. D Abdulmalik to present witnesses and tendered several documents before the court in order to prove their cases.
Thereafter, Justice Maina convicted and sentenced Adeyinka on count one to three years imprisonment with an option of N300, 000 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira). He was also ordered to pay the sum of N3, 000,000 (Three Million Naira) to the petitioner or in default to serve additional seven years imprisonment.
On count two, Adeyinka was sentenced to three years imprisonment with an option of N100, 000 (One Hundred Thousand Naira).
The judge further ordered the convict to pay the sum of N10, 000,000 (Ten Million Naira) to the petitioner or in default to serve 10 years imprisonment. The sentence runs consecutively.
The convict’s journey to the Correctional facility started when he obtained and misappropriated the sum of N13million from two petitioners for the purchase and supply of Automated Teller Machines and for financing a contract. He neither delivered the items for which he obtained money nor returned the money to the petitioners.
In another development, the Maiduguri Zonal Directorate of EFCC, on Wednesday, April 15, 2026, arranged one Alhaji Abdullahi Hamman before Justice Muhammad Maina of the Borno State High Court sitting in Maiduguri.
The defendant was arraigned on a two -count charge bordering on obtaining money by false pretense to the tune of N 2,600,000 (Two Million Six Hundred Thousand Naira).
Jail
Count one of the charges read: ” That you Abdullahi Hamman between the period of May, 2021 to January, 2023 in Maiduguri, Borno State within the jurisdiction of this honourable court, with intent to defraud obtained the aggregate sum of N 2,600,000 (Two Million Six Hundred Thousand Naira) from John Haruna, under the false pretense that same is meant for the purchase of two (2) plots of land, plot number 19 and 20 measuring 900 square metres situated and Iaying at Galaxy, behind 1000 Housing Estate Maiduguri, Borno State purportedly belonging to you, a representation which you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1) and punishable under Section 1 (13) of the Advance Fee Fraud and other Fraud related offences Act, 2006.”
The defendant pleaded “not guilty” to the charges preferred against him by the EFCC. Thereafter, prosecution counsel S.O Saka prayed for a hearing date and to remand the defendant in a correctional facility.
The defence counsel U. B Modu made an oral bail application on behalf of the defendant. Thereafter, Justice Maina granted bail to the defendant in the sum of N10, 000,000.00 (Ten Million Naira) with two sureties.
The judge further ordered that one of the sureties must be a relative to the defendant and the other must have a landed property situated in the Maiduguri metropolitan area.
The matter was adjourned till April 26, 2026 for commencement of hearing while the defendant was remanded in Maiduguri Maximum Facility.
Tinubu Government Amends Charge Against Malami, Removes Terrorism Financing Allegation
Terrorism financing allegation. The federal government has amended charges filed against Abubakar Malami, former attorney-general of the federation (AGF), and his son Abdulaziz, removing the allegation bordering on terrorism financing.
At the court session on Wednesday, Akinlolu Kehinde, counsel to the Department of State Services (DSS), informed the court about the amendment and applied to substitute the former charge.
The amended charge borders on illegal possession of firearms.
Shaibu Aruwa, counsel to the defendants, confirmed that his clients were served with the amended charge and agreed that the fresh charge be read to the defendants.
Consequently, the amended charge was read to the defendants, to which they pleaded not guilty.
Joyce Abdulmalik, presiding judge, allowed the defendants to continue on the bail terms and conditions granted to them on February 27.
The case has been adjourned to May 26 and June 15 for trial.
In the amended charge, the prosecution alleges that arms and live cartridges were found in Malami’s residence in Birnin Kebbi.
BACKGROUND
Abubakar Malami
Malami and Abdulaziz were first arraigned by the DSS on February 3 on a five-count charge bordering on alleged terrorism financing and illegal possession of firearms.
The DSS accused Malami of refusing to prosecute terrorism financiers whose case files were reportedly forwarded to the office of the attorney-general for prosecution.
On February 27, the ex-AGF and his son were each granted bail of N200 million with two sureties in like sum.
Crime
ICPC On El-Rufai Trial: Courts Adjourn Bail Ruling, Grant Conditional Bail In Parallel Proceedings
ICPC On El-Rufai Trial: Courts Adjourn Bail Ruling, Grant Conditional Bail In Parallel Proceedings
The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) wishes to update the public on developments in the ongoing trial of former Governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir Ahmad El-Rufai, in separate proceedings before the Kaduna State High Court and the Federal High Court, Kaduna.
The cases stem from a protracted investigation by the Commission into the defendant’s tenure as Governor of Kaduna State between 2015 and 2023, bordering on allegations of abuse of office, fraud, and money laundering.
Mallam El-Rufai was arrested by the Commission on or about 18th February 2026.
Following the conclusion of investigations, the Commission filed a 10-count charge against Mallam El-Rufai and Mr. Joel Adoga before Honourable Justice Rilwan Aikawa of the Federal High Court, Kaduna.
The charges relate to alleged conversion and possession of proceeds of corruption, as well as money laundering offences contrary to the provisions of the Money Laundering (Prevention and Prohibition) Act, 2022, and other relevant laws.
Specifically, the prosecution alleges, among others, that the defendant received the sum of ₦289,826,998.12 as severance allowance—significantly exceeding his lawful entitlement of ₦20,013,245—between 2020 and 2023.
He is also alleged to have received the sum of $797,900, deposited into his domiciliary account with Guaranty Trust Bank, from various individuals, with knowledge that the funds were proceeds of unlawful activities.
The Commission further alleges that the defendant conspired with the second defendant, Mr. Joel Adoga, to disguise the origin of $10,000 in July 2019.
Both defendants have pleaded not guilty to the charges.
Similarly, the Commission arraigned Mallam El-Rufai before the Kaduna State High Court on an amended 9-count charge on 13th April 2026. The charges border on abuse of office, fraud, intent to commit fraud, and conferment of undue advantage, contrary to the provisions of the ICPC Act, Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, Kaduna State Penal Code, and the Kaduna State Public Procurement Law.
On Tuesday at the Kaduna State High Court, the presiding judge, Honourable Justice Darius Khobo, informed the court that the ruling on the defendant’s bail application was not ready, citing the inability to conclude the writing of the decision. The matter was consequently adjourned to Tuesday, 21st April 2026, for the delivery of the ruling.
The court further ordered that the defendant remain in the custody of the Commission pending the determination of the bail application.
In a related development, the Federal High Court, Kaduna has granted bail to Mallam El-Rufai in the sum of ₦200 million and two sureties in like sum.
The court directed that one of the sureties must be a resident in Kaduna State with a property worth 200 million and a verified CofO while the second surety must be a well-respected elder, certified by the elders council.
It was further ruled that the defendant must deposit his international passport to the Registrar of the court and also sign an undertaking not to interfere with prosecution witnesses.
Other conditions include reporting to the Commission’s headquarters every first Monday of the month and also being restricted to live in a specific residence of his. The judge held that if Malam El-Rufai desires to change his residence, a 72-hour notice should be given to the court prior to any change of residence.
The court further ordered that the first defendant remain in the custody of the Commission pending the fulfillment of the bail conditions.
El-Rufai
The trial judge further adopted the administrative bail granted to the second defendant, Mr. Joel Adoga.
The Commission reiterates its commitment to due process and the rule of law and assures the public that the prosecution of the case is being conducted diligently and in accordance with established legal procedures.
The ICPC will continue to keep the public informed of significant developments as proceedings progress in both courts.
J. Okor Odey
Head, Media & Public Communications, ICPC.
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