Controversial Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has been deported from Saudi Arabia after arriving in the kingdom for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
Gumi, who made the disclosure via a Facebook post on Monday morning, linked his deportation to his outspoken views on Nigerian and global political issues.
“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,” the cleric wrote.
He revealed that while he was granted a visa and initially allowed entry into the country, he was barred from proceeding to Medina, where he was scheduled to commence his religious duties.
“I am grateful to the authorities in Nigeria who have pledged to engage with the Saudi authorities on this matter,” he added.
Our correspondent gathered that Sheikh Gumi was among a delegation of Islamic scholars sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to provide religious services and guidance to Nigerian pilgrims in Saudi Arabia.
The deportation of the cleric, widely known for his frequent criticism of government policies and bold political commentary, has stirred reactions across social media. Many of his followers have expressed outrage over the development, describing it as an infringement on religious freedom.
As of the time of filing this report, neither the Saudi Embassy in Nigeria nor NAHCON has issued an official statement regarding the incident.
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