By Ayan Valentine | interface Africa
May 26, 2025
Prominent Nigerian Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has been deported from Saudi Arabia and barred from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, despite possessing a valid visa for the religious rites.
The Kaduna-based cleric confirmed the development in a post shared on his social media account on Monday.
“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 wrote, indicating that while he was cleared for travel, he was denied entry into Medina, the starting point for his pilgrimage.
Gumi was part of a delegation of Islamic scholars under the sponsorship of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), tasked with offering religious services during the Hajj season.
He arrived in Medina on Saturday night aboard an Umza Air flight alongside fellow clerics. However, Saudi immigration officials stopped him at the airport and subsequently refused him entry into the kingdom.
Following the incident, Sheikh Gumi has since returned to Nigeria.
In his statement, he acknowledged the intervention of Nigerian authorities. “I am grateful to the authorities in Nigeria who have pledged to engage with the Saudi authorities on this matter,” he added.
Though no official reason was provided by Saudi officials, observers link the action to Sheikh Gumi’s controversial political and religious commentary, which may have conflicted with Saudi policies.
The scholar gained popularity, particularly for his role as an intermediary in dialogues with armed groups in the country’s troubled northern regions.
Sheikh Ahmad Gumi is a prominent Nigerian Islamic cleric, scholar, and former military officer. He is the current Mufti and Mufassir at the Kaduna central mosque Sultan Bello. Born on October 1, 1960, in Kano State, Nigeria, Gumi is the eldest son of the late Shaykh Abubakar Gumi, who was instrumental in the revival of Islam in Northern Nigeria. He studied Islamic Jurisprudence and Tafsir at Umm al-Qura University in Saudi Arabia.
About Sheikh Ahmad Gumi
Sheikh Gumi has been known for his outspoken views on politics and national security, often engaging in dialogues with armed groups in Nigeria’s northern regions. His advocacy for negotiations with bandits and controversial political commentary have made him a prominent yet polarizing figure in Nigerian society.
Implications and Reactions
The deportation of Sheikh Gumi has sparked discussions about the intersection of religious duties and political views. While some view the Saudi authorities’ actions as an infringement on religious freedoms, others argue that political considerations are integral to international relations and religious events of such magnitude.
The Nigerian government has yet to issue an official statement regarding the incident. However, Sheikh Gumi expressed gratitude for their pledge to engage with Saudi authorities on the matter.
As the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage continues, this development underscores the complex dynamics between religious practices and geopolitical considerations.
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