Simon Njoku Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, is currently detained at Kylmäkoski vankila, Finland’s world toughest high-security prison known for housing some of the country’s most dangerous criminals.
Finnish authorities have also frozen Ekpa’s assets , along with those linked to four of his alleged accomplices, as part of an ongoing investigation into terrorism-related activities.
The Finnish police allege that Ekpa used social media to incite violence and finance terrorism in Nigeria’s South-East region. On November 22 and 25, 2024, the Central Criminal Police issued asset-freezing orders targeting Ekpa and his associates. He is charged with public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent, and his trial is scheduled for May 2025.
Inside Kylmäkoski vankila: Finland’s Toughest Prison
Built in 1993, Kylmäkoski vankila in Akaa, Finland, is renowned for its strict conditions and high-security measures. The facility houses 113 inmates, including convicted criminals and remand prisoners, many of whom are involved in violent crimes. The prison gained international attention through a 2023 Netflix documentary, Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons, where journalist Raphael Rowe explored its conditions and interviewed inmates with chilling criminal histories.
Inmates at Kylmäkoski have recounted harrowing crimes, such as murder and violent assaults, often committed under the influence of drugs and alcohol. Power within the prison is reportedly tied to drug possession, with substances like Subutex and cocaine frequently smuggled in despite rigorous security measures.
Challenges at Kylmäkoski
The prison faces persistent issues such as drug smuggling, misconduct by prison staff, and manipulation of release protocols. In 2023, a female guard was dismissed for inappropriate relationships with inmates, and another incident involved a prisoner deceiving authorities to secure an early release.
Closed prisons like Kylmäkoski differ from Finland’s open prisons, where inmates enjoy relative freedom, such as taking vacations and locking their own cell doors. At Kylmäkoski, strict protocols govern prisoner movements, and visits are tightly monitored, prohibiting physical contact or note exchanges without prior approval.
Ekpa’s Legal Situation
Finnish laws mandate remand imprisonment as a coercive measure to ensure the integrity of criminal investigations and trials. According to a Finnish legal document, remand imprisonment is not punitive but aims to prevent suspects from continuing illegal activities or interfering with judicial processes. Ekpa’s detention underscores Finland’s strict stance on terrorism-related offenses.
As the case unfolds, Ekpa remains in custody under Finland’s rigorous legal and correctional framework, awaiting his trial next year.
