Saudi Arabian authorities have deported prominent Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, and barred him from performing the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage despite having been granted a visa to enter the Kingdom.

The cleric confirmed this development in a post shared on his official Facebook page on Monday, stating that Saudi immigration officials denied him entry into Medina upon arrival.

"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," Sheikh Gumi explained in his statement.

He added, "I am grateful to the authorities in Nigeria who have pledged to engage with the Saudi authorities on this matter."

According to reliable sources, Sheikh Gumi was part of a delegation of scholars sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to provide religious services during the 2025 pilgrimage. He reportedly arrived in Medina on Saturday night aboard an Umza Air flight alongside other clerics.

However, shortly after landing around 10:30 p.m., Saudi immigration officials prevented him from proceeding into the city and subsequently placed him on a return flight to Nigeria.

Sheikh Gumi, who is known for his outspoken views on politics and national security matters, has since resumed his regular teaching activities upon his return to Nigeria.

The Nigerian government, through NAHCON, has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident, but according to Sheikh Gumi's statement, Nigerian authorities have promised to engage with their Saudi counterparts on the matter.

This incident comes as Nigeria continues to airlift thousands of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj, with reports indicating that approximately 79% of Nigerian pilgrims have already been transported to the Kingdom for the annual religious obligation.