Despite being issued a visa, I was prevented from entering Medina. I have reasons to believe that this action is connected to my political views on global issues,” Gumi stated in his post

By Afolabi Ayodele

In a surprising development, the Saudi Arabian authorities have barred prominent Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, despite issuing him a valid visa. The scholar was also deported back to Nigeria shortly after his arrival.

Sheikh Gumi disclosed the incident himself via a post on his official Facebook page on Monday, May 26, 2025, expressing his disappointment over the action taken by the Saudi government. He explained that although he had been granted entry clearance, he was denied access to Medina, where he intended to begin his religious rites.

“Despite being issued a visa, I was prevented from entering Medina. I have reasons to believe that this action is connected to my political views on global issues,” Gumi stated in his post.

According to investigations by KoikiMedia, Sheikh Gumi was part of a delegation of Islamic scholars selected and sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission (NAHCON) to provide religious support to Nigerian pilgrims in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia during this year’s Hajj exercise.

The cleric reportedly landed in Medina around 10:30 pm on Saturday aboard a flight operated by Umza Air, alongside other Nigerian religious figures. However, upon arrival at the Medina airport, Saudi immigration officials singled him out and declined his entry into the country, leading to his immediate deportation.

The incident has sparked discussions across various platforms, with many questioning the diplomatic and religious implications of the move by Saudi authorities.

KoikiMedia will continue to monitor developments and provide updates as the story unfolds.

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