PROMINENT Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has been barred from participitating in the 2025 Hajj exercise and consequently deported to Nigeria by Saudi Arabian authorities.
In a post on Monday via his verified Facebook page, Sheikh Gumi confirmed that although the Saudi government had issued him a visa, he was denied entry into Medina upon arrival and was subsequently deported.
“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.
He also expressed appreciation to Nigerian authorities for pledging to engage with their Saudi counterparts to resolve the matter.
Findings indicated that Sheikh Gumi was part of a delegation of Islamic scholars sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to provide religious services during the Hajj.
He arrived in Medina last Saturday at about 10:30 pm aboard an Umza Air flight, alongside other clerics.
However, he was stopped by Saudi immigration officials at the airport and denied entry.
He quoted Qur’an 2:196 to reflect on his situation.
“And accomplish the Hajj i.e, pilgrimage and the Umra for Allah, but if you are prevented, (slaughter) the offering available with you. (meaning, you are then free from Hajj or Umra).”
The cleric has since returned to Nigeria.
