Saudi Arabian authorities have denied entry to prominent Nigerian Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, effectively barring him from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, despite issuing him a valid visa.
The controversial scholar made the disclosure in a Facebook post on Monday, stating that although he was granted a visa for the pilgrimage, he was denied entry upon arrival in Medina, where he was to begin his religious rites.
“For some obvious reasons, my views about the world politics, the Saudi authorities are uncomfortable about my presence in Hajj after giving me the Hajj Visa,” Sheikh Gumi wrote.
He expressed appreciation to Nigerian officials for intervening in the matter, saying, “Thanks to the Nigerian authorities who have pledged to take up the matter immediately with Saudi authorities. That is the value of our cherished freedom and democracy.”
Gumi, who appeared unfazed by the incident, added that he would now turn his attention to personal matters.
“I’m now free to attend to my health and farming activities. We should continue to pray for the safe return of all pilgrims, peace and prosperity for our dear nation,” he said.
According to the BBC, Sheikh Gumi was among a delegation of Islamic clerics sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission (NAHCON) for this year’s pilgrimage.
He reportedly arrived in Medina on Saturday around 10:30 p.m. aboard an Umza Air flight with other clerics, but was stopped at the airport by Saudi immigration authorities and subsequently barred from entering the country.
