Saudi Arabia Deports Sheikh Gumi To Nigeria, Denied Entry For 2025 Hajj

Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Abubakar Gumi, has been deported from Saudi Arabia as he was denied entry into the holy land for the 2025 Hajj.

Gumi, who arrived Medina on Saturday night at about 10:30 p.m. aboard an Umza Air flight, was stopped by Saudi immigration and repatriated to Nigeria.

Sheikh Gumi, who disclosed this on Monday, May 26, 2025, via a post on his Facebook page, said that he was denied entry despite his valid visa.                                                            The Islamic cleric said that upon arrival at Median, the Saudi authorities stopped him from entering, citing concerns related to his political views.

Gumi said; “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 however thanked the Nigerian government, saying that officials have assured him that the matter would be addressed with their Saudi counterparts.

It was gathered that Gumi was among a group of religious scholars sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for 2025 pilgrimage.

It was gathered that upon his return, Sheikh Gumi resumed his regular activities that include Islamic teachings.