2025 Hajj: Saudi Arabia Deports Sheikh Gumi, Bars Him from Pilgrimage

By Tgnews

Saudi Arabian authorities have deported prominent Nigerian Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, barring him from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage despite his possession of a valid visa. The Kaduna-based cleric confirmed the incident in a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Monday, sparking widespread discussion within religious and diplomatic circles.

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, known for his outspoken views on national and international politics, was part of a delegation of Islamic scholars sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON).

The group arrived at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina on Saturday night aboard an Umza Air flight to provide religious guidance during the Hajj season. However, upon arrival at approximately 10:30 p.m., Saudi immigration officials denied Gumi entry into the city and promptly placed him on a return flight to Nigeria.

In his statement, Gumi attributed the deportation to his political views, stating, “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.” He expressed gratitude to Nigerian authorities, who have pledged to engage with Saudi officials to seek clarification and resolution on the matter.

“I am grateful to the authorities in Nigeria who have pledged to take up the matter immediately with Saudi authorities. That is the value of our cherished freedom and democracy,” Gumi added.

I am grateful to the authorities in Nigeria who have pledged to take up the matter immediately with Saudi authorities. That is the value of our cherished freedom and democracy

The Saudi government has not issued an official statement explaining the deportation. However, analysts speculate that Gumi’s controversial stances, including his advocacy for dialogue with armed groups in northern Nigeria and his criticisms of Western and Middle Eastern political interventions, may have influenced the decision.

A source within NAHCON, speaking anonymously, expressed surprise at the Saudi authorities’ actions, noting that all delegation members, including Gumi, had valid visas and met standard requirements for Hajj participation.

Gumi, who has returned to Nigeria, stated he has fulfilled his spiritual obligations for the 2025 Hajj through prescribed means, citing Qur’anic verse (Q2:196) on conditions under which a pilgrim may be prevented from performing Hajj.

Alhamdulillah, I’ve already completed my Hajj 2025 and I’m at home in our beloved country Nigeria

“Alhamdulillah, I’ve already completed my Hajj 2025 and I’m at home in our beloved country Nigeria,” he wrote. He also mentioned plans to focus on his health and farming activities while urging prayers for the safe return of other pilgrims and peace for Nigeria.

Neither the Saudi embassy in Nigeria nor the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs has issued an official comment as of press time. The development is expected to prompt diplomatic discussions between Nigeria and Saudi Arabia, given Gumi’s prominence and his role in an officially sponsored religious mission.

Read Also: El-Rufai’s son, Bello ignores father, SDP, endorses Tinubu’s second term bid