Saudi Arabian authorities have barred Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, a Kaduna-based cleric, from entering the country for the 2025 Hajj rite.

Mr Gumi, famous for advocating for bandits, said in a Facebook post on Monday that he was barred from entering Saudi Arabia due to his “political views.”

“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,” Mr Gumi said.

The cleric explained that he was back in Nigeria to perform his Hajj rite at home, citing 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).”

Mr Gumi, however, said, “Nigerian authorities have pledged to take up the matter immediately with Saudi authorities. That is the value of our cherished freedom and democracy.”

This comes over a decade after Saudi authorities arrested and detained Mr Gumi for over six months over his link with Faurouk Abdulmutallab, who attempted to blow up a flight with underwear explosives.

In recent times, despite bandits ravaging Northern Nigeria, killing hundreds and kidnapping for ransom, Mr Gumi advocated for amnesty for the armed group.