Saudi Arabia deports Sheikh Gumi, bars him from 2025 Hajj

In a surprising diplomatic twist, prominent Nigerian Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has been deported from Saudi Arabia and barred from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage — despite reportedly holding a valid visa.

The Kaduna-based cleric confirmed the development in a statement released via his official social media platform on Monday. Gumi, known for his outspoken views on national security and religious issues in Nigeria, expressed disappointment over the decision but did not elaborate on the specific reasons for his deportation.

“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,” Sheikh Gumi wrote, indicating that while he was cleared for travel, he was denied entry into Medina, the starting point for his pilgrimage.

Gumi was part of a delegation of Islamic scholars under the sponsorship of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), tasked with offering religious services during the Hajj season.

He arrived in Medina on Saturday night aboard an Umza Air flight alongside fellow clerics. However, Saudi immigration officials stopped him at the airport and subsequently refused him entry into the kingdom.

Following the incident, Sheikh Gumi has since returned to Nigeria.

In his statement, he acknowledged the intervention of Nigerian authorities. “I am grateful to the authorities in Nigeria who have pledged to engage with the Saudi authorities on this matter,” he added.

Though no official reason was provided by Saudi officials, observers link the action to Sheikh Gumi’s controversial political and religious commentary, which may have conflicted with Saudi policies.

The scholar gained popularity, particularly for his role as an intermediary in dialogues with armed groups in the country’s troubled northern regions.