Fresh information has come to light regarding the recent deportation of prominent Islamic scholar, Ahmad Gumi from Saudi Arabia, indicating that he was already aware of an existing entry ban placed on him before setting out for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
Naturenex earlier reported that the cleric had announced via his official Facebook page that he was denied entry and turned back at Medina Airport on Saturday, despite having a valid visa.
In a statement titled “My Hajj 2025!”, Gumi openly expressed his displeasure over the incident, revealing his frustration at being refused access into the country.
However, in a follow-up development on Tuesday, a source within the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), who spoke anonymously with The Guardian, disclosed that the cleric was not only banned but was also fully informed about the restriction prior to his travel plans.
The NAHCON official explained that while Gumi was issued a visa by the Saudi authorities, this did not guarantee automatic entry into the country — particularly for individuals who had been flagged by the Kingdom’s immigration and security services.
“He has since been banned from entry into the Kingdom. They normally issue a visa, and then upon arrival, they will not allow you to leave immigration and will deport you. He is not the only person deported this year,” the official stated.
When asked if Sheikh Gumi was aware of the travel restriction before embarking on the trip, the source confirmed, “Yes, he is aware.”
In his earlier post, the Islamic cleric suggested that the Saudi government’s decision was politically motivated, attributing it to his vocal opinions on international issues that, according to him, might not align with the Kingdom’s official stance.
“For some obvious reasons, my views about world politics have made the Saudi authorities uncomfortable about my presence in Hajj after giving me the Hajj visa,” Gumi remarked.
He went on to appreciate the quick intervention by Nigerian authorities in response to the situation, stating, “Thanks to the Nigerian authorities, who have pledged to take up the matter immediately with Saudi authorities.”
Concluding his statement, Gumi expressed gratitude for being able to focus on personal matters such as his health and farming, while also calling on Nigerians to remember Hajj pilgrims in their prayers and to seek peace and unity for the country.
Reflecting on his ordeal, he cited a passage from the Qur’an (2:196), “And accomplish the Hajj, i.e., pilgrimage and the Umrah for Allah, but if you are prevented, (slaughter) the offering available with you. (Meaning, you are then free from Hajj or Umra).”
