Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a prominent Islamic scholar from Kaduna, has been prevented from performing the Hajj pilgrimage in 2025 and has been deported back to Nigeria. The scholar announced this development in a post on his Facebook page on Monday, May 26, 2025.
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Gumi stated that although he had obtained a visa for entry into Saudi Arabia for Hajj, he was denied access to Medina to fulfill his religious obligations. "Due to certain concerns related to my perspectives on global politics, the Saudi authorities do not wish for me to attend Hajj, despite issuing me a visa," he explained in his post. He expressed his appreciation for the Nigerian authorities, who have committed to addressing the situation with their Saudi counterparts.
Reports indicate that Sheikh Gumi was part of a group of scholars sent by the Nigerian Hajj Commission (NAHCON) to Saudi Arabia for religious duties. He and other clerics arrived in Medina last Saturday around 10:30 PM on an Umza Air flight, but Saudi immigration officials barred him from entering upon arrival. Sources reveal that Sheikh Gumi has since returned to Nigeria to continue his regular activities, particularly his teaching.
Kwara update