Hajj 2025: Popular Muslim cleric, Sheikh Gumi deported from Saudi Arabia 

Renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has been deported from Saudi Arabia after being denied entry into Medina, effectively barring him from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.

Sheikh Gumi, a Kaduna-based cleric known for his controversial views on national and international issues, confirmed the development in a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Monday.

“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 wrote.

The cleric, who was part of a delegation of religious scholars sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), arrived at Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport in Medina on Saturday night via Umza Air.

However, upon arrival, Saudi immigration officials reportedly stopped him at the airport and denied him entry into the city, before placing him on a return flight to Nigeria.

Sheikh Gumi added in a statement on his page said that the Nigerian authorities have shown concern and have promised to engage Saudi officials to seek clarification and resolution.

“I am grateful to the authorities in Nigeria who have pledged to engage with the Saudi authorities on this matter,” he said.

As of the time of filing this report, no official statement from the Saudi embassy or the Nigeria’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs on the development.