Finland Prison Simon Ekpa
Simon Ekpa, a leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is currently held at Finland’s Kylmäkoski Prison, known as one of the toughest facilities in the world, following his arrest on terror-related charges.
Ekpa, who styles himself as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, was arrested alongside four others for allegedly inciting violence and financing terrorism through social media campaigns targeting civilians and authorities in Nigeria’s South-East region.
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EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Päijät-Häme District Court subsequently ordered his remand on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent, and his assets, along with those of his associates, have been frozen by Finnish authorities.
Kylmäkoski Prison, where Ekpa is detained, is a high-security facility housing some of Finland’s most dangerous criminals. Featured in the 2023 Netflix documentary Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons, the facility is notorious for its strict regulations and inmates with violent histories.
Conditions include locked cells during specified hours, restrictions on contact between inmates and visitors, and severe penalties for rule violations.
The prison also faces challenges such as drug smuggling and staff misconduct, including a reported case where a female guard was dismissed for inappropriate relationships with inmates.
Unlike Finland’s open prisons, which allow inmates greater freedom, closed facilities like Kylmäkoski maintain tight restrictions to prevent escapes and maintain order.
A Finnish legal document explains that remand imprisonment is not punitive but ensures the integrity of criminal investigations and trials. Ekpa, scheduled to face trial in May 2025, remains in custody without bail, as Finland’s legal system prioritizes preventing suspects from continuing criminal activities.
Kylmäkoski Prison
Ekpa’s case has sparked global attention, highlighting his controversial role in promoting IPOB’s agenda and the Finnish government’s determination to uphold its counter-terrorism laws.
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