Controversial Nigerian Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has been denied entry into Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, despite being issued a valid visa.
Gumi, who was part of a group of Islamic scholars selected and sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission (NAHCON), arrived in Medina late Saturday night alongside other clerics.
However, upon arrival at the airport, Saudi immigration authorities stopped him and refused him entry into the country.
BBC Hausa reports that Gumi shared the development in a post on his Facebook page, alleging political motivations behind the decision.
“For some obvious reasons, my views about world politics, the Saudi authorities are uncomfortable about my presence in Hajj after giving me the Hajj Visa,” he wrote.
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Gumi, widely known for his contentious opinions on banditry and security issues in northern Nigeria, further stated that Nigerian authorities have expressed readiness to engage with Saudi officials over the incident.
He wrote, “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.”
In what appeared to be a tone of resignation, Gumi 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.”
The Saudi government has not yet issued an official statement on the matter.