Saudi Arabian authorities have barred Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, from performing the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, deporting him back to Nigeria shortly after his arrival.
Sheikh Gumi confirmed the development in a statement posted on his Facebook page on Monday, May 26, 2025. According to the cleric, although he was granted a visa by the Saudi government, he was denied entry into Medina, where he had planned to begin his religious obligations.
“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 expressed gratitude to Nigerian authorities for their support, noting that efforts are being made to address the issue diplomatically. “I am grateful to the authorities in Nigeria who have pledged to engage with the Saudi authorities on this matter,” he added.
Findings revealed that Sheikh Gumi was part of a delegation of scholars sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission (NAHCON) for the 2025 pilgrimage. He arrived in Medina with other clerics last Saturday at approximately 10:30 p.m. on an Umza Air flight.
However, upon arrival at the city’s airport, Saudi immigration officials reportedly denied him entry, leading to his subsequent deportation.
Sheikh Gumi has since returned to Nigeria, where he is expected to resume his regular activities, including teaching.