Saudi Arabian authorities have barred controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage and deported him back to Nigeria, despite granting him a valid visa.
The Kaduna-based scholar, known for his outspoken views on global and religious politics, made the revelation via his official Facebook page on Monday, May 26. According to Gumi, although he had secured the necessary visa to travel to the Kingdom, he was stopped from entering the holy city of Medina upon arrival.
“Due to some reasons related to my views on world politics, the authorities in Saudi Arabia do not want me to be present at Hajj even though they have granted me a visa,” he posted.
Gumi, who was part of a delegation sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission (NAHCON), landed in Medina around 10:30pm last Saturday aboard an Umza Air flight, alongside other clerics. However, immigration officers at the airport denied him entry, leading to his deportation.
The cleric noted that Nigerian authorities have promised to intervene diplomatically. “I am grateful to the authorities in Nigeria who have pledged to engage with the Saudi authorities on this matter,” he said.
Sources within the Hajj commission confirmed the incident, saying Gumi has now returned to Nigeria and resumed his teaching and religious activities.
More Stories
Police Bust Kidnap, Robbery Syndicates in Oyo, Recover 497 Bags of Maize
“We Get N1.5m After 35 Years of Service” — Retired Police Officers Protest in Ibadan, Demand Exit from PENCOM
Ladoja’s Planned Dethronement: I Stand By What I Said – Fayose