Prominent Nigerian Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi has been deported from Saudi Arabia after being denied entry at Medina’s Prince Mohammad Bin Abdulaziz International Airport, effectively barring him from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
Gumi, known for his controversial political views and mediation efforts with armed bandit groups in Nigeria, shared the incident on his Facebook page. Despite holding a valid visa and traveling as part of a religious scholars’ delegation sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), he was turned back and flown to Nigeria.
Saudi authorities have not provided an official reason for the deportation, but analysts suggest it may be linked to Gumi’s outspoken positions, which at times challenge Saudi religious and political stances.
In previous statements, Gumi criticized military approaches to combating banditry, arguing for dialogue and citing Afghanistan as an example of the limits of force in guerrilla warfare.
Thanking Nigerian officials for their support, Gumi urged for diplomatic engagement with Saudi authorities to clarify the situation and seek a resolution.
