Saudi Arabian authorities have deported prominent Nigerian Islamic scholar Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, barring him from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
The deportation occurred despite Gumi having been granted a Hajj visa.
Confirming the incident on his Facebook page on Monday, 26 May, Gumi suggested that his political views might have influenced the decision.
“For some obvious reasons, my views about world politics, the Saudi authorities are uncomfortable about my presence in Hajj after giving me the Hajj Visa,” he stated.
This is not the first time Gumi has faced issues with Saudi authorities.
In 2010, he was arrested and detained for over six months by the Saudi Arabian government for allegedly associating with Nigerian underwear bomber and terrorist, Farouk Abdumutallab.
Gumi, known for his outspoken views and advocacy for dialogue with armed groups in Nigeria, has often been a controversial figure. His recent deportation adds to the complexities of his relationship with international authorities.
As of now, Saudi authorities have not issued an official statement regarding the reasons for Gumi’s deportation.
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