A Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has been deported from Saudi Arabia, thus stopping him from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
The cleric confirmed this on his official Facebook page on Monday.
He attributed the action of the Saudi authorities “Due to some reasons related to my views on world politics,” saying “Saudi Arabia do not want me to be present at Hajj even though they have granted me a visa,” Gumi wrote.
The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), appointed Sheikh Ahmad Gumi into the team which arrived at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina on Saturday night via Umza Air.
The Saudi Immigration officials reportedly fished him out, stopped him at the airport and denied him entry into the city, before placing him on a return flight to Nigeria.
Sheikh Gumi said the Nigerian authorities have taken over the matter and promised to engage Saudi officials to seek clarification and resolution.
“I am grateful to the authorities in Nigeria who have pledged to engage with the Saudi authorities on this matter,” he said.
An anonymous source within NAHCON said the Commission was surprised at the Saudi decision, especially since all members of the delegation had received valid visas and had met the standard requirements for Hajj participation.
The Saudi Arabia authorities were yet to give reasons for Sheikh Gummi’s deportation as at press time.
Sheikh Gumi is reported to have expressed political and religious views, which may be at variance with the Kingdom’s policies.
Also, he has been involved in dialogue initiatives with armed groups in Nigeria’s northern region and has often voiced criticism of Western and Middle Eastern political interventions.
