Prominent Nigerian Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has been deported from Saudi Arabia and prohibited from taking part in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, despite holding a valid visa for the journey.
The Kaduna-based cleric confirmed the incident via a post on his social media account on Monday.
“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, explaining that although he was cleared for travel, he was denied entry upon arrival in Medina—the pilgrimage’s entry point.
Gumi was part of a delegation of Islamic scholars sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), assigned to provide religious guidance during the Hajj period.
He arrived in Medina on Saturday night aboard an Umza Air flight alongside other clerics. However, Saudi immigration officials stopped him at the airport and refused him entry into the country.
Sheikh Gumi has since returned to Nigeria following the incident.
In his statement, he acknowledged the intervention of Nigerian authorities. “I am grateful to the authorities in Nigeria who have pledged to engage with the Saudi authorities on this matter,” he added.
Although Saudi officials did not provide an official explanation, analysts suggest the move may be connected to Sheikh Gumi’s controversial political and religious views, which could be at odds with Saudi policies.
The scholar rose to prominence largely due to his involvement as a mediator in negotiations with armed groups in Nigeria’s conflict-ridden northern areas.
