Renowned Nigerian Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has been deported from Saudi Arabia and barred from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, despite possessing a valid visa issued by the Kingdom.
The Kaduna-based cleric, known for his outspoken views on national and global issues, was denied entry into Medina upon arrival at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport on Saturday night. He had travelled as part of a delegation of religious scholars sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) via Umza Air.
In a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Monday, Sheikh Gumi confirmed the incident, attributing his deportation to political considerations.
“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.
Sources within NAHCON, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed surprise at the development, stating that all members of the delegation had fulfilled the standard requirements and received valid visas for the pilgrimage.
Saudi immigration officials have not publicly stated the reason for Gumi’s deportation. However, analysts suggest it may be linked to his controversial political and religious commentary, which sometimes runs counter to the policies of both Western and Middle Eastern governments.
Gumi has played a notable role in advocating dialogue with armed groups in Nigeria’s northern region and has frequently criticised foreign interventions in African and Middle Eastern affairs.
The incident has sparked widespread debate within Nigeria’s religious and public spheres, with many questioning the influence of political ideology on access to religious rites such as the Hajj.
Meanwhile, Sheikh Gumi noted that Nigerian authorities have expressed concern and pledged to engage with Saudi officials for clarification.
“I am grateful to the authorities in Nigeria who have pledged to engage with the Saudi authorities on this matter,” he added.
As of the time of this report, neither the Saudi embassy in Nigeria nor the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an official statement on the deportation.
Sheikh Gumi has since returned to Nigeria and resumed his regular preaching and teaching activities.
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