Popular Nigerian Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has been deported back to Nigeria by the Saudi Arabia authority.
Gumi was barred from entering Medina, despite holding a valid visa and restricted from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
Sources confirmed that he travelled to Saudi Arabia last Saturday night aboard an Umza Air flight as a member of Nigerian Hajj Commission (NAHCON) to offer religious services to pilgrims.
Upon his arrival around 10:30 pm, Saudi immigration officers stopped him at the airport and did not allow him to go past immigration.
He was then deported to Nigeria.
He later shared the experience on his verified Facebook page on Monday.
In the post, Gumi said the decision to send him back was connected to his views on global politics, even though, he was granted a visa before traveling.
He also mentioned that Nigerian authorities have promised to speak with Saudi officials to find a solution.
“For some obvious reasons, my views about the world politics, the Saudi authorities are uncomfortable about my presence in Hajj after giving me the Hajj Visa.
“Thanks to the Nigerian authorities who have pledge to takeup the matter immediately with Saudi authorities. That is the value of our cherished freedom and democracy.
“I’m now free to attend to my health and farming activities”, he wrote.
