“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…”
Prominent Kaduna-based Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has been deported by Saudi Arabian authorities and barred from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
Gumi confirmed the incident via his official Facebook page on Monday, stating that despite holding a valid Hajj visa, he was denied entry into 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,” Gumi wrote.
He said the Nigerian authorities have pledged to intervene.
The cleric, part of a NAHCON-sponsored delegation for religious guidance during Hajj, reportedly arrived in Medina late Saturday aboard an Umza Air flight. However, Saudi immigration officials stopped him from proceeding into the city and returned him to Nigeria on a return flight.
Gumi has resumed his teaching activities in Kaduna following the incident.