Simon Ekpa, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), is currently in Kylmäkoski Prison, one of Finland’s toughest correctional facilities. Ekpa, who also calls himself the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, was arrested along with four others. He is facing serious charges, including promoting violence and financing terrorism in Nigeria’s South-East region through social media. Finnish authorities have also frozen his assets and those linked to him.
Kylmäkoski Prison, located in Akaa, Finland, is known for housing some of the country’s most dangerous criminals. The facility has strict rules, which include locked cells at specific times and limited contact with visitors. Inmates are also banned from writing or sharing messages without staff approval. Physical contact during visits is prohibited, and breaking these rules leads to disciplinary actions.
This prison was featured in the 2023 Netflix documentary Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons, which gave viewers an inside look at life in one of Finland’s most secure institutions. The prison is home to violent offenders and sex criminals, with the notorious “lizard wing” housing the most dangerous inmates.
Unlike Finland’s open prisons, where inmates can work and have more freedom, Kylmäkoski operates under strict control. Inmates spend most of their time in their cells or designated areas. The prison is also known for the drug trade within, with inmates often using narcotics to gain power over others.
The facility is designed to prioritize security, and Ekpa is subject to these stringent conditions. He is not allowed to communicate freely or move around easily, reflecting the seriousness of the charges against him.
Ekpa’s remand in Kylmäkoski is part of Finland’s legal process. The authorities have denied him bail, considering the severity of his charges. Under Finnish law, remand imprisonment is a precautionary measure, not a punishment. It ensures that suspects do not interfere with investigations or continue criminal activities.
Ekpa is scheduled to stand trial in May 2025. If convicted, he will serve his sentence immediately, and his status will change from remand prisoner to convict.
Kylmäkoski Prison’s history includes incidents like drug smuggling and inappropriate relationships between staff and inmates. These issues highlight the challenges of running such a high-security facility. Despite the strict rules, managing such a prison remains a complex task due to the severe nature of the crimes committed by the inmates.
Simon Ekpa’s case sheds light on the global issue of terrorism and the power of social media in promoting violence. Finnish authorities continue to investigate his activities while maintaining tight security within their prison system.
