Saudi Arabia deports Sheikh Gumi, bars him from 2025 Hajj

Prominent Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has been deported from Saudi Arabia after being barred from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.

The cleric confirmed the incident on Monday, May 26, 2025, via a post on his Facebook page. He explained that although he had been issued a valid 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.

The Islamic scholar thanked the Nigerian government for its intervention, saying officials had pledged to engage with Saudi authorities over the issue.

Sources disclosed that Sheikh Gumi was part of a delegation of religious scholars sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for this year’s exercise. He reportedly landed in Medina around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday via an Umza Air flight but was stopped by Saudi immigration officers and denied entry.

The cleric has since returned to Nigeria, where he has resumed his usual religious teachings and activities.