Saudi Arabia Deports Sheikh Gumi, Bars Him from 2025 Hajj

By Iyojo Ameh

Kaduna-based Islamic cleric and former bandits’ negotiator, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has been deported from Saudi Arabia and barred from performing the 2025 Hajj, despite possessing a valid visa.

Gumi confirmed the development on Monday via a statement posted on his official Facebook page, where he attributed the action to his political views.

“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,” he wrote.

The cleric, who was part of a delegation of Islamic scholars sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to offer religious services during the pilgrimage, arrived in Medina on Saturday night aboard an Umza Air flight alongside other clerics.

However, Saudi immigration officials stopped him at the airport and denied him entry into the kingdom, forcing him to return to Nigeria shortly afterward.

Gumi noted that while he had been cleared for travel, he was specifically denied access to Medina, the starting point of the pilgrimage.

“I am grateful to the authorities in Nigeria who have pledged to engage with the Saudi authorities on this matter,” he added.

Although Saudi authorities have not provided an official reason for the deportation, observers speculate that the decision may be connected to Gumi’s history of controversial political and religious statements, which may conflict with Saudi policies.

Sheikh Gumi is widely known for his involvement as a mediator in negotiations with armed groups in Nigeria’s restive northern region.

The scholar gained popularity, particularly for his role as an intermediary in dialogues with armed criminals in the country’s troubled northern region.