Terrorism: Simon Ekpa Remanded in Finland’s High-Security Kylmäkoski Prison

Our reporter

Simon Ekpa, the controversial leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and self-declared Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, is currently being held at Kylmäkoski vankila, one of Finland’s most secure prisons.

Ekpa was arrested by Finnish authorities, along with four others, under suspicion of engaging in terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and financing terrorism.

 

Kylmäkoski vankila, located in Akaa, Finland, is notorious for housing some of the country’s most dangerous offenders. Known for its strict conditions, the prison was featured in the 2023 Netflix documentary Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons. With a capacity of 113 inmates, Kylmäkoski accommodates individuals convicted of severe crimes such as murder, assault, and sex offenses.

 

Finnish law enforcement claims that Ekpa used social media platforms to incite violence in Nigeria’s South-East region, encouraging attacks against both civilians and law enforcement.

According to Yle, a Finnish media outlet, Ekpa has been remanded on charges of public incitement to commit terrorist acts. Authorities have also frozen his assets and those of entities associated with him, citing links to terrorism financing.

 

Mika Ojamies, Head of International Communications at Yle, confirmed that Ekpa is being detained at Kylmäkoski. The prison, which operates under highly restrictive conditions, imposes strict limits on inmate communication, including locked cell doors during designated times and restrictions on visitor contact. Inmates are also prohibited from taking notes or transmitting messages without approval from prison staff. Violations of these rules can result in disciplinary action.

 

The notorious "lizard wing" of Kylmäkoski houses the most dangerous prisoners, including sex offenders and informants, who are often targeted by other inmates. While Finland’s open prisons allow inmates more freedom, including work privileges and opportunities for vacations, Kylmäkoski operates as a closed-unit facility, emphasising security and control.

Daily routines are tightly regulated, and the prison’s internal power structure often revolves around the control of narcotics, with those managing the drugs gaining influence over others.

 

Ekpa's arrest follows a thorough investigation by Finnish authorities, who have made it clear that the remand is not a form of punishment but a measure to prevent further interference with the ongoing investigation. Mikko Laaksonen, a senior detective superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, explained that Ekpa was denied bail due to the severity of the charges.

 

Ekpa is scheduled to stand trial in May 2025, and if convicted, he will serve a prison sentence. His status as a remand prisoner will change to that of a convict, beginning immediately upon conviction.

 

Kylmäkoski prison, which has seen various incidents, including drug smuggling and improper conduct by staff members, remains one of Finland's most challenging facilities to manage. The detention of Ekpa at this high-security facility adds another chapter to its complex and storied history.