JUST IN; Sheihk Ghumi deported from Saudi Arabia prevented from performing Hajj
Sheihk Ghumi deported from Saudi Arabia prevented from performing Hajj
Saudi officials have prevented Kaduna-based Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi from performing the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, despite having granted him a visa earlier.
Following his arrival in Medina, the cleric was denied entry and deported back to Nigeria.
On Monday, May 26, 2025, Gumi confirmed the incident in a post on his official Facebook page, explaining that although he obtained the necessary visa, he was barred from entering Saudi Arabia to commence his religious observances.
“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.
He added, “I am grateful to the authorities in Nigeria who have pledged to engage with the Saudi authorities on this matter.”
Sheikh Ahmad Gumi was one of several clerics sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission to offer religious guidance to pilgrims during the 2025 Hajj.
He arrived in Medina late last Saturday around 10:30 p.m. on an Umza Air flight, traveling with other religious leaders. However, Saudi immigration authorities refused him entry into the city.
After being deported back to Nigeria, Gumi has reportedly resumed his usual teaching and religious activities.
