Saudi Arabia Bars Sheikh Gumi from Performing 2025 Hajj, Deports Him

Prominent Kaduna-based Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has been deported from Saudi Arabia and prevented from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, despite holding a valid visa.

Sheikh Gumi confirmed the development in a post shared via his official Facebook page on Monday, stating that although he was granted entry into the Kingdom, Saudi authorities barred him from proceeding to Medina to begin his religious obligations.

“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 scholar, who was part of a delegation of clerics sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission (NAHCON), arrived in Medina late Saturday aboard an Umza Air flight. However, upon arrival, Saudi immigration officials denied him entry and subsequently deported him.

Gumi expressed appreciation to Nigerian authorities, noting that officials have pledged to engage Saudi counterparts to resolve the matter.

Following his deportation, Sheikh Gumi has returned to Nigeria and is expected to resume his teaching and religious duties.