Buhari to attend Juma'at service at Villa Mosque, no more at National Mosque

President Muhammadu Buhari will henceforth mostly observe the Juma'at prayers with other Muslims at the Presidential Villa Mosque as he has stopped participating in Juma'at prayers at the National Mosque, Abuja.

This was contained in a statement made available to journalists on Friday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina.

Adesina said Buhari took the decision out of consideration for the hardships always imposed on members of the public by road closures during presidential movements.

'President Muhammadu Buhari participated in today's Juma'at prayer at the Presidential Villa Mosque.

'President Buhari did so out of consideration for avoidable hardships imposed on members of the public by road closures and other security measures which Presidential movements to the National Mosque necessitate.

'Accordingly, the President has decided that henceforth he will mostly observe the Juma'at prayers with other Muslims at the Presidential Villa Mosque.

'President Buhari will still join the larger Muslim Community for Friday prayers at the National Mosque and other mosques in Abuja occasionally,” the statement said.

Friday was the first time a Juma'at service will be held inside the Presidential Villa.

All former Muslim Presidents and Vice Presidents have been taking part in the services at the National Mosque, Abuja.

Since his inauguration on May 29, Buhari had taken part in three Jumat services at the National Mosque. He was in his hometown, Daura, Katsina State, last Friday.

The Friday prayer was led by the State House Chief Imam, Abdulwaheed Suleiman.

Buhari was joined by aides and other workers in the villa.