. Saudi immigration officials stopped cleric at Medina airport
Renowned Islamic scholar, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, on Monday, recounted how Saudi Arabian authorities barred him from entering the country to perform the 2025 Hajj.
Gumi, in a Facebook post disclosed that although the Saudi government issued him a visa for Hajj, he was denied entry into Medina to observe his religious rites.
The Islamic cleric wrote, “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.
“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.
“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.”
BBC reports that Sheikh Gumi was part of the delegation of Islamic scholars sponsored by the Nigerian Hajj Commission for the pilgrimage.
It was gathered that Gumi arrived in Medina last Saturday at about 10:30 p.m. aboard an Umza Air flight in company with other clerics.
But upon landing at the city’s airport, Saudi immigration officials stopped him from entering the country.
