SAUDI ARABIA DEPORTS SHEIKH GUMI, BARS HIM FROM PERFORMING HAJJ

A prominent Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has been deported from Saudi Arabia and barred from performing the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage. Gumi confirmed the development on Monday through a post on his Facebook page, stating that despite being issued a valid visa, he was denied entry into Medina upon arrival.

“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 cleric expressed gratitude to the Nigerian government, stating that officials have promised to engage with Saudi authorities regarding the incident.

According to sources, Gumi was part of a delegation of religious scholars sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for this year’s pilgrimage. He arrived in Medina on Saturday night but was stopped by Saudi immigration and denied entry.

Gumi has since returned to Nigeria and resumed his regular activities, including teaching. The reasons behind Saudi Arabia’s decision to bar Gumi from performing Hajj are not entirely clear, but it is believed to be related to his views on world politics.