SHEIKH AHMAD GUMI DEPORTED FROM SAUDI ARABIA, BARRED FROM 2025 HAJJ PILGRIMAGE

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

Prominent Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has been deported from Saudi Arabia and denied entry into Medina, effectively barring him from participating in this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.

The Kaduna-based cleric, known for his outspoken views on national and international affairs, confirmed the development in a statement posted to his official Facebook page 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,” Sheikh Gumi wrote.

Gumi was part of a Nigerian delegation of religious scholars sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). He arrived at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina on Saturday night aboard a flight operated by Umza Air.

However, upon arrival, Saudi immigration officials reportedly denied him entry and promptly placed him on a return flight to Nigeria.

The cleric added that Nigerian authorities had expressed concern over the incident and assured him that they would engage Saudi counterparts for clarification.

“I am grateful to the authorities in Nigeria who have pledged to engage with the Saudi authorities on this matter,” he stated.

A source within NAHCON, who requested anonymity, confirmed the deportation and expressed surprise, noting that all members of the delegation had valid visas and met the requirements for Hajj participation.

While Saudi authorities have not issued an official explanation, analysts believe the move may be linked to Gumi’s often controversial political and religious commentary, which at times conflicts with the policies of the Saudi government. Gumi has also been prominent in dialogue efforts with armed groups in northern Nigeria and has criticized Western and Middle Eastern interventions.

The deportation has sparked debate across religious and political circles, raising questions about the intersection of political ideology and religious access.

As of the time of reporting, neither the Saudi embassy in Nigeria nor the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs had released an official statement on the matter.

Sheikh Gumi has since returned to Nigeria and resumed his public preaching and teaching engagements.