ABUJA — Controversy has arisen following the refusal by Saudi Arabian immigration authorities to permit prominent Nigerian Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, entry into the country despite being issued a visa to participate in this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.
In a statement shared via his official Facebook account on Monday, Gumi disclosed that he had arrived in Medina as part of the Nigerian Hajj Commission’s (NAHCON) sponsored delegation of clerics, only to be turned away by Saudi officials upon landing.
“For some obvious reasons, my views about the world politics, the Saudi authorities are uncomfortable about my presence in Hajj after giving me the Hajj Visa,” Gumi stated.
The cleric, who arrived in Saudi Arabia aboard an Umza Air flight around 10:30 p.m. on Saturday, claimed the action was politically motivated, referencing long-standing ideological tensions with the Saudi government.
“Thanks to the Nigerian authorities who have pledged to take up the matter immediately with Saudi authorities. That is the value of our cherished freedom and democracy,” he added.
The incident, which has attracted both diplomatic and religious interest, was also reported by the BBC, confirming Gumi's inclusion in NAHCON’s clerical team for the pilgrimage.
Despite the setback, the Kaduna-based scholar expressed his intention to focus on personal matters, including his health and agricultural engagements, while praying for the safe return of Nigerian pilgrims.
“I’m now free to attend to my health and farming activities. We should continue to pray for the safe return of all pilgrims, peace and prosperity for our dear nation,” he wrote.
As of the time of filing this report, Saudi authorities have not issued any formal explanation for the denial of entry. Nigerian officials are reportedly engaging their Saudi counterparts to resolve the matter.