Simon Ekpa, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) and self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, is being held at Kylmäkoski vankila, one of Finland’s most secure prisons.
Ekpa was arrested along with four others on suspicion of terror-related activities, including incitement to violence and terrorism financing.
Kylmäkoski vankila, located in Akaa, Finland, is known for housing some of the country’s most dangerous criminals. It was featured in the 2023 Netflix documentary Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons. The facility accommodates 113 inmates, including violent offenders and sex criminals, under strict conditions.
Finnish authorities allege Ekpa used social media to incite violence in Nigeria’s South-East, targeting civilians and authorities. Finnish publication Yle confirmed that Ekpa was remanded by the Päijät-Häme District Court on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent. The Finnish government also froze his assets and those linked to him and his associates.
Mika Ojamies, Head of International Communications at Yle, confirmed that Ekpa is being held at Kylmäkoski. The prison’s regime includes locked cell doors at specified times, limited visitor communication, and strict rules against taking notes or transmitting messages without staff approval. Inmates are also prohibited from touching visitors during meetings.
The Netflix documentary revealed Kylmäkoski’s high-security environment, including its “lizard wing,” which houses the most dangerous inmates, such as sex offenders and informants. Drug use and smuggling are persistent issues, and many prisoners struggle with substance abuse.
Unlike Finland’s open prisons, where inmates can work and hold keys to their rooms, Kylmäkoski enforces strict security. Prisoners are confined to cells or designated areas during daily routines. Power dynamics within the facility are often shaped by drug control, with inmates holding the most narcotics gaining influence.
Ekpa’s remand is part of Finland’s criminal procedure, a measure to prevent suspects from interfering with investigations or continuing criminal activity. A senior detective from Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, Mikko Laaksonen, explained that Ekpa was denied bail due to the severity of the charges. “Remand or travel bans are used to restrict the movement of suspects in serious cases,” Laaksonen stated.
Ekpa is scheduled for trial in May 2025. If convicted, his status will change from remand prisoner to convict, and his sentence will begin immediately.
Kylmäkoski prison has faced challenges, including drug smuggling and a former female guard dismissed for inappropriate relations with inmates. These incidents reflect the complexities of managing a high-security facility.
