Saudi Arabian authorities have stopped Nigerian Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, from performing the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, even though he was granted a visa.
The well-known cleric from Kaduna was deported back to Nigeria after being denied entry upon arrival in Medina, Saudi Arabia.
Sheikh Gumi confirmed the incident on his official Facebook page on Monday, May 26, 2025. He said Saudi officials refused him entry because of his views on global politics.
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“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 thanked Nigerian authorities for their support and said, “I am grateful to the authorities in Nigeria who have pledged to engage with the Saudi authorities on this matter.”
Gumi was among several clerics sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission to guide pilgrims during the Hajj. He arrived in Medina on Saturday night at around 10:30 p.m. on an Umza Air flight along with other religious leaders.
However, Saudi immigration officers refused to let him enter the city and sent him back to Nigeria.
Since returning home, Sheikh Gumi has resumed his teaching and other religious activities.