Prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has been deported from Saudi Arabia and barred from performing the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, despite being issued a visa for the religious exercise.
Confirming the development via a post on his official Facebook page on Monday, the Kaduna-based cleric said Saudi authorities denied him entry into Medina upon arrival, citing concerns tied to his political views.
“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,” Sheikh Gumi stated.
He expressed gratitude to the Nigerian authorities for their support, adding, “I am grateful to the authorities in Nigeria who have pledged to engage with the Saudi authorities on this matter.”
Okay.ng understands that that Sheikh Gumi was among a group of clerics sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to provide religious guidance to Nigerian pilgrims during this year’s Hajj.
He reportedly flew into Medina on Saturday night aboard a Umza Air flight alongside other scholars.
However, upon arrival at approximately 10:30 p.m., Saudi immigration officers intercepted the cleric and prevented him from proceeding further into the city. He was then placed on a return flight to Nigeria.
Sheikh Gumi is widely known for his controversial commentary on national security, banditry, and foreign diplomacy.
His political stance has often drawn criticism, particularly over his calls for negotiations with armed groups in Nigeria’s northern region.
