Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has been barred from performing the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage by Saudi Arabian authorities and subsequently deported to Nigeria.
Sheikh Gumi confirmed the development in a Facebook post on Monday, May 26, 2025. According to him, although he had been issued a visa for the pilgrimage, he was denied entry into Medina where he was scheduled to begin his religious activities.
“Due to certain views I hold on global politics, the Saudi authorities have decided they do not want me to participate in the Hajj, despite issuing me a visa,” he wrote.
He also expressed appreciation to Nigerian officials, saying they have promised to engage Saudi authorities on the issue.
Sources indicate that Sheikh Gumi was part of a delegation of scholars sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission (NAHCON) to travel to Saudi Arabia for religious duties. He arrived in Medina late Saturday night aboard an Umza Air flight, but was stopped by Saudi immigration officers and denied entry.
He has since returned to Nigeria and resumed his regular teaching and scholarly activities.
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