Saudi Arabian authorities have deported prominent Nigerian Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi upon his arrival for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, despite holding a valid visa. The incident occurred when Sheikh Gumi was stopped at immigration in Medina and subsequently denied entry.
The deportation has been linked to concerns over Sheikh Gumi’s political views, which Saudi officials reportedly found objectionable. Sheikh Gumi confirmed the incident in a statement on his official Facebook page, revealing that his presence was deemed undesirable due to his outspoken perspectives on global politics.
“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 stated on Facebook.
Sheikh Gumi was part of a delegation sponsored by Nigeria’s National Hajj Commission (NAHCON) to provide religious guidance during the pilgrimage. After being barred from entering Saudi Arabia, he was placed on a return flight to Nigeria.
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The Nigerian government has promised to engage with Saudi authorities to seek clarification and address the issue diplomatically.
The Saudi government has yet to provide an official explanation for the deportation, but analysts suggest that Sheikh Gumi’s critical stance on certain Middle Eastern policies may have influenced the decision.
Back in Nigeria, Sheikh Gumi resumed his religious duties and expressed gratitude to the Nigerian authorities for their support. He also emphasised the importance of freedom of expression and democracy.
The incident has ignited discussions among Nigerian religious and diplomatic circles, highlighting tensions between political expression and religious participation on the international stage.
