Kaduna-based Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has been deported from Saudi Arabia and barred from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. The incident has drawn attention across religious and political circles, according to reports published on May 26 via his verified Facebook account.
Sheikh Gumi disclosed that although he had been granted a valid visa for the Hajj, Saudi immigration officers denied him entry upon arrival in Medina. He was later placed on a return flight to Nigeria.
“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 stated on Facebook.
Sources indicate that the cleric was part of a delegation sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to offer spiritual guidance during the pilgrimage. He and other Islamic scholars reportedly arrived in Medina on Saturday night via an Umza Air flight.
However, Gumi’s entry was blocked shortly after landing around 10:30 p.m. Saudi officials prevented him from proceeding into the city and escorted him onto a return flight.
The Saudi authorities have not released an official statement regarding the deportation, but Gumi believes it may be tied to his outspoken opinions on international matters. Upon his return to Nigeria, he has resumed his teaching duties in Kaduna.
He also expressed appreciation for the Nigerian authorities, stating that they have promised to engage with Saudi officials over the matter.
This development adds to Sheikh Gumi’s long history of public attention due to his political and religious commentary. It remains to be seen how the Nigerian government and Saudi authorities will handle the issue moving forward.
Article updated 3 weeks ago. Content is written and modified by multiple authors.
