Prominent Nigerian Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has been deported from Saudi Arabia and barred from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. Gumi, a cleric based in Kaduna, confirmed this development in a statement shared on his official Facebook page on Monday.
According to Sheikh Gumi, although he had secured a visa for the pilgrimage, he was denied entry into Medina due to his political views.
“Despite having been granted a visa, the Saudi authorities refused to let me enter because of my views on global politics,” he wrote.
Gumi had traveled to Saudi Arabia as part of a delegation of religious scholars sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). The group arrived at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina on Saturday night via Umza Air. However, Saudi immigration officials reportedly stopped Gumi at the airport, denied him entry into the city, and placed him on a return flight to Nigeria.
In his statement, Sheikh Gumi expressed gratitude to Nigerian authorities for their support, noting that they have promised to engage with Saudi officials to seek clarification and a resolution.
“I am thankful to the Nigerian authorities who have assured me of their efforts to engage with the Saudi authorities on this matter,” he said.
A NAHCON source, speaking on condition of anonymity, confirmed the deportation. The source noted that the Commission was surprised by Saudi Arabia’s decision, especially since all members of the delegation held valid visas and met the required criteria for Hajj participation.
While Saudi Arabia has not provided an official explanation for the deportation, observers suggest that the move may be linked to Sheikh Gumi’s vocal political and religious positions, which often diverge from the kingdom’s policies. In recent years, Gumi has played a significant role in dialogue with armed groups in northern Nigeria and has frequently criticized Western and Middle Eastern political interventions.
The incident has sparked widespread discussions within religious communities and the general public, raising questions about how political beliefs can affect religious obligations.
As of the time of this report, there has been no official statement from either the Saudi embassy in Nigeria or the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
Sheikh Gumi has since returned to Nigeria and resumed his preaching and teaching activities.
