Fresh details have emerged indicating that prominent Islamic cleric, Sheikh Ahmad Gumi, was aware of the entry restriction imposed on him by Saudi Arabian authorities before he embarked on the 2025 Hajj pilgrimage.

The Cleric had on Monday claimed in a public statement on his official Facebook page titled “My Hajj 2025!” that he was turned back at the Medina airport on Saturday despite holding a valid visa.

However, an official at the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), who spoke on the condition of anonymity, revealed that Sheikh Gumi had “since been banned from entry into the Kingdom” and was fully aware of the restriction placed on him.

The official clarified that the issuance of a visa by Saudi authorities does not guarantee entry into the Kingdom, particularly for individuals who have been flagged by security or immigration systems.

“He has since been banned from entry into the Kingdom. They normally will issue a visa, and then upon arrival, they will not allow you to leave immigration and will deport you. He is not the only person deported this year”.

When pressed further if Gumi was aware of the entry restriction placed on him, the official responded that, “Yes, he is aware.”