Islamic Cleric Sheikh Gumi Deported, After Being Barred From Hajj

Nigerian Islamic cleric, Sheikh Gumi (full names Sheik Ahmad Gumi) has been deported to Nigeria by Saudi Arabian authorities after he was banned from participating in the 2025 Hajj.

Gumi, who is based in Kaduna, in a Facebook post today said he was denied entry into Medina upon arrival in Saudi Arabia despite being issued with visa.

“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.

He was part of pilgrims who arrived Medina last Saturday at about 10:30 pm aboard an Umza Air flight; he was however denied entry by Saudi immigration officials at the airport and deported.

He also expressed appreciation to Nigerian authorities for pledging to engage with their Saudi counterparts to resolve the matter.

READ ALSO: 2025 Hajj: ‘Why We Closed Pilgrims Registration Exercise’

READ ALSO: To Participate In 2025 Hajj, You Must Pay N8.7mFindings indicated that Sheikh Gumi was part of a delegation of Islamic scholars sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to provide religious services during the Hajj.

The cleric has since returned to Nigeria.