Simon Ekpa, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, is currently being detained at Kylmäkoski vankila, one of Finland’s most secure prisons. The facility is renowned for housing the country’s most dangerous offenders, including murderers and rapists.
Ekpa was arrested alongside four others on suspicion of terror-related offenses, including incitement to violence and financing terrorism. Finnish authorities allege that Ekpa used social media to promote violent activities in Nigeria’s South-East region, targeting both civilians and law enforcement. His assets, along with those of his accomplices, have been frozen by the Finnish government.
Details of Kylmäkoski Prison
Located in Akaa, Finland, Kylmäkoski prison is a closed-unit facility with strict rules. It was featured in the 2023 Netflix documentary Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons. The prison holds 113 inmates, including violent offenders and sex criminals. Its stringent conditions include:
• Locked cell doors during designated times.
• Limited visitor communication, with strict rules against transmitting written messages.
• Zero tolerance for physical contact with visitors, with violations resulting in disciplinary actions.
The prison also grapples with issues like drug smuggling and power dynamics driven by narcotics possession.
Charges and Legal Proceedings
The Päijät-Häme District Court remanded Ekpa on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. Finnish authorities confirmed that remand imprisonment is not a form of punishment but a measure to prevent suspects from interfering with investigations or continuing criminal activities.
Ekpa’s bail was denied due to the severity of the charges. Mikko Laaksonen, a senior detective superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, stated, “Our procedure is based on the case, remand, or travel ban as coercive measures for limiting freedom of movement for persons suspected of offenses to which such measures are applicable.”
Ekpa is scheduled to face trial in May 2025. If convicted, his status will transition from a remand prisoner to a convict, with his sentence beginning immediately after judgment.
Controversies Surrounding Kylmäkoski Prison
Kylmäkoski’s history includes notable incidents such as drug smuggling and staff misconduct, including a former female guard dismissed for inappropriate relationships with male prisoners. Despite its challenges, the prison remains a high-security facility dedicated to managing Finland’s most dangerous criminals.
Ekpa’s detention at Kylmäkoski highlights the seriousness of the charges against him and the ongoing scrutiny surrounding his activities both in Finland and Nigeria.