Saudi authorities have prevented Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, from performing the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage and deported him back to Nigeria.
Sheikh Gumi confirmed the incident in a post on his Facebook page on Monday, 26th May 2025. He stated that while the Saudi government had initially granted him a visa for Hajj, he was denied entry into Medina to begin his religious rites.
He said due to certain concerns regarding his views on global politics, the Saudi authorities have chosen not to permit his presence at Hajj—despite having issued him a visa.
He thanked the Nigerian authorities, who have assured him they will engage with Saudi officials on this matter.
Investigations reveal that Sheikh Gumi was part of a delegation of scholars sponsored by Nigeria’s Hajj Commission (NAHCON) to travel to Saudi Arabia for religious duties.
The cleric arrived in Medina last Saturday at approximately 10:30 pm aboard an Umza Air flight alongside other scholars. However, upon landing at the city’s airport, Saudi immigration officials stopped him from entering the country.
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