Sheikh Gumi Denied Hajj Entry, Saudi Embassy Keeps Slient
THECONSCIENCE NG reports that the Saudi Arabian Embassy in Abuja has remained silent regarding the reported deportation of prominent Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi.
According to Gumi, Saudi authorities denied him entry upon arrival in Medina for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, despite having been granted a visa. He was subsequently deported back to Nigeria.
The Kaduna-based cleric confirmed the development via a Facebook post on Monday. In his statement, Gumi suggested that the action may be linked to his political views.
“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,” he wrote.
He also expressed appreciation to Nigerian authorities, noting their willingness to engage with Saudi officials regarding the incident.
Findings reveal that Sheikh Gumi was part of a delegation of Islamic scholars sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission (NAHCON) to perform religious duties in Saudi Arabia.
He reportedly arrived in Medina around 10:30 p.m. last Saturday aboard an Umza Air flight, alongside other clerics. However, Saudi immigration officers allegedly barred him from entering the country upon arrival at the airport.
Gumi has since returned to Nigeria, where he has resumed his regular activities, including teaching.
Efforts to get an official comment from the Saudi embassy in Nigeria were unsuccessful. When contacted, the Press Attaché, Mohammed Alsahabi, stated that he had no information on the issue at the moment but promised to respond once he had further details.
“I have seen the news and I don’t have any information now. Once I have, I will let you know,” he said.
