Ahmad Gumi, a Kaduna-based Islamic cleric, says Saudi Arabian authorities barred him from performing the 2025 hajj despite holding a valid visa.

In a statement posted on his Facebook account, the cleric said the Saudi Arabian authorities were “uncomfortable with his presence at the Hajj”, despite his possession of a visa.

“Alhamdulillahi I’ve already completed my Hajj 2025 and I’m at home in our beloved country Nigeria,” Gumi’s statement reads.

“Allah said in Q2/196: And accomplish the Hajj i.e pilgrimage and the Umra for Allah, but if, you are prevented, (slaughter) the offering available with you. (meaning, you are then free from Hajj or Umra).

“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 thanked Nigerian authorities, who he said 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,” he said.

“We should continue to pray for the safe return of all pilgrims, peace and prosperity for our dear nation.”

Meanwhile, according to BBC, Gumi was among the delegation of scholars sponsored by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) to travel to Saudi Arabia for religious services.

He reportedly arrived in Madinah with other clerics last Saturday at around 10:30pm on an Umza flight.

But upon arrival at the city’s airport, immigration officials prevented the cleric from entering the country.