
Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed Biafran agitator accused of terrorism-related activities, has had his assets frozen by Finnish authorities. Ekpa, who has been in detention for several weeks, is also linked to companies whose assets were seized alongside those of four alleged accomplices currently in custody.
According to Finnish newspaper Yle, Ekpa is being held in Kylmäkoski vankila (Kylmäkoski Prison), a maximum-security facility renowned as one of the toughest prisons globally. Chronicles Reporters earlier disclosed that Ekpa is likely to spend the Christmas and New Year holidays in detention, as Finland’s legal system does not allow bail in cases like his. This was confirmed by Mikko Laaksonen, Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation.
Located in Vanhamaantie, Akaa, Finland, Kylmäkoski Prison was built in 1993 to house male prisoners. Mika Ojamies, Head of International Communications for Yle, also verified that Ekpa is being detained in this facility. The prison primarily accommodates individuals convicted of violent crimes and other serious offences, with its current population comprising 113 inmates, including both convicts and remand detainees.
Ekpa, who refers to himself as the “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, was arrested roughly four weeks ago along with four others. Finnish authorities accuse him of inciting violence and funding terrorism, particularly through his use of social media to instigate unrest in Nigeria’s South-East region. Local reports indicate that Ekpa is facing charges of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
Kylmäkoski Prison gained international attention through the Netflix documentary series Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons in 2023. Journalist Raphael Rowe explored the facility, interacting with inmates involved in violent crimes. Among those interviewed were Toni, Olli, Michael, Danny, and Jani, some of whom displayed no remorse for their actions. The prison is also known for battling drug smuggling, with substances like subutex, cocaine, and amphetamines, as well as mobile phones, being sneaked in by newcomers. Subutex, in particular, is a widely abused drug in Finland.
A prison officer interviewed in the documentary highlighted the difficulties of managing violent inmates, especially those under the influence of drugs, describing it as a persistent challenge for the system.
Stay updated with breaking news by joining our WhatsApp channel: https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VabITrvEAKW7DSkTfP0.