Saudi authorities have deported prominent Islamic cleric Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, preventing him from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
The Kaduna-based scholar confirmed the incident in a Facebook post on Monday, May 26, 2025, stating that although he had obtained a valid Hajj visa, he was denied entry upon arrival in Medina.
“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.
According to sources, Sheikh Gumi was part of a delegation of religious leaders sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for this year’s pilgrimage. He reportedly arrived in Medina around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday via an Umza Air flight but was stopped at immigration and refused entry.
Following the incident, the cleric returned to Nigeria, where he has since resumed his regular activities, including teaching.
Gumi expressed appreciation to the Nigerian government, noting that officials have pledged to engage with Saudi authorities over the matter.
The reasons for Saudi Arabia’s decision remain unconfirmed by the Kingdom, but the cleric has linked it to his outspoken political views on global issues.
