CITIZENS COMPASS– The authorities of Saudi Arabia have deported the controversial Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi
The Kaduna-based Islamic scholar was prevented from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage and denied entry into Medina.
Gumi confirmed the development in a statement posted on his official Facebook page on Monday.
He wrote, “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,”
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.
“I am grateful to the authorities in Nigeria who have pledged to engage with the Saudi authorities on this matter.”
The scholar reportedly landed in Medina last Saturday around 10:30 p.m. aboard an Umza Air flight alongside other religious leaders. However, upon arrival, Saudi immigration authorities stopped him from entering the city.
Saudi authorities have not disclosed the reasons for the deportation.
