Controversial Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has been deported from Saudi Arabia and barred from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage—an action that has sparked widespread public reaction. Now, sources have revealed the reason behind the unexpected move.

According to reliable reports, Saudi authorities refused Gumi entry into Medina due to concerns over his alleged associations with groups involved in regional unrest in Nigeria. During routine immigration procedures, the cleric was reportedly questioned about his previous public statements and affiliations, particularly his consistent calls for negotiations and leniency toward armed factions in Northern Nigeria.

Sources claim Gumi was unable to provide responses that satisfied authorities, resulting in his immediate deportation—even though he held a valid Hajj visa. The incident has ignited intense discussions in Nigeria, raising questions about the potential impact on his public standing and influence.

Saudi authorities have barred prominent Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, from participating in the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage and have deported him back to Nigeria.

The cleric confirmed the development in a Facebook post on Monday, May 26, 2025, revealing that although he was granted a visa, he was denied entry into Medina where he intended to commence his Hajj rites.

“Despite being issued a visa, I was not permitted to enter Medina due to certain concerns linked to my political views,” Sheikh Gumi stated on his official Facebook page.

He also expressed appreciation to the Nigerian government, noting that officials have promised to engage Saudi authorities over the matter.

Sheikh Gumi was reportedly part of a group of religious scholars sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission (NAHCON) for this year’s pilgrimage.

He arrived in Medina around 10:30 p.m. last Saturday aboard an Umza Air flight, accompanied by other clerics. However, immigration officials at the airport stopped him from proceeding into the country.

Following the deportation, Sheikh Gumi has since returned to Nigeria and resumed his daily activities, including teaching.

Governor Babagana Zulum of Borno State has raised concerns over the Nigerian Army’s insufficient equipment in the fight against Boko Haram insurgents. According to him, the insurgents are now leveraging advanced technology, putting Nigerian soldiers at a disadvantage.

“Recently, I met with the Chief of Army Staff who revealed that the Army needs 32 drones to effectively combat the insurgency,” Zulum said. “Each drone costs about $5.5 million. We must pool resources to acquire them and prioritize national security.”

The governor also stressed the importance of transparent procurement processes. “We need to focus on direct, government-to-government procurement of military equipment, both hardware and software, to ensure value for money,” he said. “Contractors often fail to deliver when funds are handed over to them.”

Zulum called for unity and cooperation between the federal and state governments. “If we are truly committed, this insurgency can be ended in six months. We must not politicize security issues. The Federal Government must listen and act.”