Saudi authorities have barred and deported prominent Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, despite initially granting him a visa.
Sheikh Gumi, who confirmed the development yesterday, by posting on his official Facebook page, explained that although he received a visa for Hajj, he was denied entry into Medina, where he was scheduled to commence his religious rites.
According to reports, Sheikh Gumi was traveling with a delegation of Islamic scholars sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission, (NAHCON).
He arrived in Medina last Saturday around 10:30 p.m. on an Umra Air flight, but was turned away by Saudi immigration officials upon landing.
According to findings, Gumi was among a group of clerics sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission to offer religious support during the pilgrimage.
“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.
“Thanks to the Nigerian authorities who have pledge to take up the matter immediately with Saudi authorities. That is the value of our cherished freedom and democracy.
“I’m now free to attend to my health and farming activities. We should continue to pray for the safe return of all pilgrims, peace and prosperity for our dear nation”, the cleric stated.
