The authorities in Saudi Arabia have stopped prominent Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, from performing the 2025 Hajj, deporting him back to Nigeria.
The cleric confirmed the development on Monday, May 26, 2025, through a post on his Facebook page. According to Gumi, despite being issued a valid visa for Hajj, he was denied entry into Medina upon arrival.
“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,” he wrote.
Gumi expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government, stating that officials have promised to engage with Saudi authorities regarding the incident.
Sources indicate that Sheikh Gumi was part of a delegation of religious scholars sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for this year’s pilgrimage.
He arrived in Medina on Saturday night around 10:30 p.m. via an Umza Air flight, but was stopped by the Saudi immigration and denied entry.
He has since returned to Nigeria and resumed his regular activities, including teaching.
