Nigerian Cleric Sheikh Gumi Denied Entry to Saudi Arabia for Hajj Amid Political Views Controversy.
Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a prominent Islamic scholar from Kaduna, Nigeria, has been deported from Saudi Arabia and prohibited from participating in this year’s Hajj pilgrimage, despite holding a valid visa.
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In a statement, Gumi claimed Saudi authorities barred him from entering Medina to perform religious rites, citing his “views on global politics” as the reason. “Although I was granted a visa, they prevented me from proceeding to Hajj,” he said, expressing gratitude to Nigerian officials for pledging to address the matter with Saudi counterparts.
The cleric traveled as part of a delegation of Nigerian Islamic scholars sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). He arrived in Medina on Saturday night aboard an Umza Air flight but was halted by immigration officials upon landing. Sources indicate he was denied entry and subsequently deported, though Saudi authorities have yet to publicly comment.
Gumi’s deportation has sparked discussions about the intersection of political expression and religious participation. Nigerian officials are reportedly seeking clarification from Saudi Arabia regarding the incident.
