In a bid to alleviate the financial burden of marriage for low-income couples, the government of Kano state sponsored a mass wedding ceremony, where 1,500 couples were united last week. The event, now an annual tradition since 2012, took place under the watchful eye of the Hisbah, the city's Islamic police force, whose role includes vetting applicants to ensure authenticity and prevent fraudulent marriages. Despite the generous support package offered by the state government, which includes essential household items, dowries, and start-up capital for small businesses, some individuals have resorted to deception in an attempt to reap the benefits. The growing demand for the mass wedding scheme, with 5,000 applications this year, is a reflection of the economic hardships faced by many Nigerians. In response to allegations of corruption, the Hisbah has assured the public that the entire process, including medical examinations and the distribution of goods, should be free of charge. Successful couples like Rabiu Yusuf and Aisha Auwal expressed their happiness at the smooth application process and their anticipation for a new life together, despite facing challenges in the past. However, concerns over fraudulent applications persist, as some individuals have been found to alter medical test results or present false identities to gain entry into the program.