Saudi authorities have barred prominent Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, despite initially granting him a visa.
The cleric was subsequently deported to Nigeria.
Sheikh Gumi confirmed the development on Monday, May 26, 2025, through a post on his official Facebook page.
He explained that although he received a visa for Hajj, he was denied entry into Medina, where he was scheduled to commence his religious rites.
“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.
He continued, “I am grateful to the authorities in Nigeria who have pledged to engage with the Saudi authorities on this matter.”
According to findings, Gumi was among a group of clerics sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission to offer religious support during the pilgrimage.
The scholar reportedly landed in Medina last Saturday around 10:30 p.m. aboard an Umza Air flight alongside other religious leaders. However, upon arrival, Saudi immigration authorities stopped him from entering the city.
Having returned to Nigeria, Sheikh Gumi is said to have resumed his regular activities, including teaching.
