Saudi Arabia Drops The Hammer: Why Sheikh Ahmad Gumi Was Suddenly Deported

New information has surfaced indicating that renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, was fully aware of the travel ban placed on him by Saudi Arabian authorities before attempting to embark on the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.

In a Facebook post titled “My Hajj 2025!”, Gumi expressed his frustration, revealing that despite having a valid visa, he was denied entry and turned back at the Medina airport on Saturday.

However, a source from the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), speaking anonymously to The Guardian on Tuesday, confirmed that Gumi had indeed been previously banned from entering Saudi Arabia and was conscious of the restriction ahead of his trip.

The NAHCON official clarified that while Saudi authorities may issue a visa, it does not guarantee entry—especially for individuals flagged by security or immigration protocols. “He has long been on a list of those barred from entering the Kingdom. In such cases, visas may still be granted, but the individual is stopped at immigration and sent back. Gumi is not the only person this has happened to this year,” the official stated.

When asked if Gumi was aware of his status, the source responded unequivocally: “Yes, he knew.”

Gumi, in his public statement, implied that his deportation was politically charged, attributing it to his candid and sometimes controversial opinions on international political matters that may contradict Saudi Arabia’s official positions.

He stated, “It is clear that my views on world politics have made Saudi authorities uneasy about my participation in the Hajj, even after they had issued me a visa.”