Saudi Arabia's Motives Revealed in Ahmad Gumi's Deportation
Prominent Nigerian Islamic cleric, Ahmad Gumi, was barred from entry into Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage due to an existing entry restriction, according to a National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) official. Gumi was aware of the restriction before his journey, as the official revealed to The Guardian.
The distinguished cleric had announced on his official Facebook page that he was turned back at Medina airport on Saturday despite holding a valid visa. In a public statement titled "My Hajj 2025!", Gumi expressed his disappointment over the denial of entry.
A NAHCON official stated on Tuesday that even though Saudi Arabia issued a visa to Gumi, it did not automatically guarantee entry, especially for individuals flagged by the country's immigration or security systems. The official confirmed that Gumi has since been banned from entering the Kingdom, and when questioned about the cleric's knowledge of the entry restriction, the official affirmed that he was indeed aware.
Gumi suggested that the Saudi authorities' decision to bar him was politically motivated, linked to his outspoken views on global affairs that might not align with Saudi Arabia's political stance. The Nigerian government has vowed to address the situation with Saudi authorities.
It has been revealed that the issuance of a visa does not guarantee entry into Saudi Arabia for individuals flagged by security or immigration systems. Although the context of Gumi's previous travel to Yemen or any associated controversies may have played a role in his deportation, specific details were not provided.
Finally, Gumi expressed gratitude for being able to address personal matters such as his health and farming activities during his time in Nigeria. He also urged Nigerians to pray for the safe return of all Hajj pilgrims and for peace and prosperity in the country, quoting a verse from the Qur'an to reflect on his situation.
- The Nigerian government is set to address the political controversy surrounding Ahmad Gumi's denial of entry into Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.
- Ahmad Gumi, the Nigerian Islamic cleric, who was turned back at Medina airport, suggested that his deportation was politically motivated, due to his outspoken views on global affairs that might not align with Saudi Arabia's political stance.
- The DSS (Department of State Services), Nigerian police, and even the Nigerian army have previously sought conversations with Gumi regarding various national issues, illustrating his significant influence within Nigerian politics and society.
- Despite being barred from the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage, Gumi took advantage of his time in Nigeria to attend to personal matters, such as his health and farming activities.
- In a general news report, it was mentioned that car-accidents, fires, and crime-and-justice incidents have highlighted the need for improved policy-and-legislation in Nigeria concerning migration, war-and-conflicts, and safety measures.
- Gumi took to his official Facebook page to express his disappointment over the denial of entry, sharing the details of his experience in a public statement titled "My Hajj 2025!"
- The Nigerian government's handling of this situation could prove instrumental in strengthening its diplomatic relationships with various Middle Eastern nations and the international community.
- In the midst of his disappointment, Gumi urged Nigerians to pray for the safe return of all Hajj pilgrims, reflecting on his situation with a verse from the Qur'an, thereby highlighting the importance of unity and spirituality amidst political tensions.
