The Saudi Arabian Embassy in Abuja has declined to comment on the reported deportation of prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, who was recently denied entry into the Kingdom despite possessing a valid Hajj visa.
The development has sparked speculation regarding the reasons behind Saudi Arabia’s decision, especially in light of Gumi’s frequent criticism of international policies and his perceived controversial religious and political stances.
Saudi authorities have not issued any formal statement explaining the deportation.
Gumi, a Kaduna-based cleric known for his outspoken views on global and regional politics, confirmed on his Facebook page Monday that Saudi authorities had barred him from entering Medina to perform the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
He disclosed that while his visa was approved, he was turned back upon arrival in the Kingdom.
“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 in the post.
He added that Nigerian authorities had pledged to intervene on his behalf, expressing gratitude for their support, saying, “I am grateful to the authorities in Nigeria who have pledged to engage with the Saudi authorities on this matter.
”According to sources conversant with the development, Gumi was part of a group of Islamic scholars sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) for the annual pilgrimage.
However, upon landing in Saudi Arabia, immigration officials reportedly blocked him from proceeding beyond the airport, forcing his return to Nigeria.
Gumi has since resumed his regular activities in Kaduna, particularly his religious teachings.
Efforts to obtain an official comment from the Saudi diplomatic mission in Nigeria were unsuccessful as the embassy’s Press Attaché, Mohammed Alsahabi, said he had no immediate information on the issue but promised to share updates when available.
“I have seen the news and I don’t have any information now. Once I have, I will let you know,” he said.
