Saudi Arabia has barred the Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, from participating in the 2025 Hajj, subsequently deporting him back to Nigeria.
Sheikh Gumi confirmed this in a post made on Monday, 26th May 2025, via his Facebook page.
He stated that the Saudi government had issued him a visa to enter the country for Hajj; however, he was not permitted to enter Medina to commence his religious obligations.
“Due to certain reasons relating to my opinions on global politics, the authorities in Saudi Arabia do not wish for me to be present at Hajj, despite having granted me a visa,” Sheikh Gumi articulated in his Facebook post.
He further expressed, “I am thankful to the authorities in Nigeria who have committed to addressing this matter with the Saudi authorities.”
According to investigations, Sheikh Gumi is part of a delegation of scholars sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission (NAHCON) to travel to Saudi Arabia for religious duties.
Gumi arrived in Medina alongside other clerics last Saturday at approximately 10:30pm aboard an Umza Air flight, but upon his arrival at the airport, Saudi immigration officials barred the cleric from entering the country.
Reports indicate that Sheikh Gumi has now returned to Nigeria to resume his daily activities, particularly teaching.
