This was confirmed in a Facebook post shared on Monday by the cleric, who explained that although he was granted a Hajj visa, he was denied entry into Medina.
The Government of Saudi Arabia has stopped Nigerian controversial Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, from entering the country to perform this year’s Hajj pilgrimage.
This was confirmed in a Facebook post shared on Monday by the cleric, who explained that although he was granted a Hajj visa, he was denied entry into Medina.
He thanked the Nigerian government for promising to address the issue with its Saudi counterparts, noting that the support highlights the strength of Nigeria’s democracy and freedom.
Sheikh Gumi added that he would now focus on his health and farming activities.
He said: “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.
“Thanks to the Nigerian authorities who have pledge to take up the matter immediately with Saudi authorities. That is the value of our cherished freedom and democracy.
“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.”
It was learnt that Sheikh Gumi was travelling with a delegation of Islamic scholars sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission (NAHCON).
He arrived in Medina last Saturday around 10:30pm on an Umra Air flight, but was turned away by Saudi immigration officials upon landing.
One of the controversies surrounding the profile of the scholar is his profound support for local terrorists known as bandits.
In 2022, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi warned Northerners against voting for politicians who won’t grant amnesty to bandits wreaking havoc across the region.
According to the cleric, bandits are warriors who shouldn’t be killed but negotiated with.
The Islamic cleric had disclosed this during one of his recent sermons.
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