Prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, has been barred by the Saudi Arabian authorities from performing the 2025 Hajj despite being granted a valid visa and arriving in the Kingdom as part of Nigeria’s official religious delegation.

Known for his controversial stance on national and international issues, Gumi confirmed the development in a statement titled “My Hajj 2025!” which he posted on his Facebook page, yesterday.

The cleric revealed that Saudi immigration officials turned him back upon arrival at the Medina Airport last Saturday. Gumi also claimed that the action of the Saudi authorities was politically motivated.

He said: “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 the 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.”

The development came as the Jigawa State Pilgrims Welfare Board issued an advisory to its adherents in Madinah, urging them to prioritise supplications, instead of chasing artificial items like gold, silver, or diamond teeth.

The warning comes after the board foiled a scam involving third-party agents who were attempting to exploit Nigerian pilgrims by offering cosmetic dental fittings at exorbitant prices.

The agents, mostly Nigerians based in Saudi Arabia, had posed as Hajj facilitators, and lured pilgrims to fix artificial teeth at varying costs in Naira.

The board’s spokesperson, Habibu Babura, confirmed in a statement yesterday that officials have intervened and foiled an attempt to defraud some of its pilgrims at Madinah.

“The board, under the leadership of the Director-General, Alhaji Umar Ahmed Labbo, noted complaints regarding high and inconsistent prices being fraudulently charged to some of the pilgrims willing to buy the gold and diamond teeth,” he said.

The state’s Amirul Hajj and Emir of Kazaure, Dr. Najib Hussaini Adamu, urged the pilgrims to focus on prayers. He commended the board officials for their timely intervention.