Finland Seizes Simon Ekpa’s Assets, Detains Him in Notorious Kylmäkoski Prison

The Finnish government has also seized the assets of companies linked to Ekpa and four of his associates, who remain in custody.

Simon Ekpa, a self-proclaimed Biafran activist accused of terrorism-related activities, has had his assets frozen by Finnish authorities. The government has also seized the assets of companies linked to Ekpa and four of his associates, who remain in custody.

According to a report by Yle, a Finnish media outlet, Ekpa is currently being held in Kylmäkoski vankila, a high-security prison in Akaa, Finland, known as one of the world’s most secure facilities. The prison, established in 1993 to house male inmates, is reputed for holding individuals convicted of serious crimes, including violent offenders and sex criminals. It accommodates both convicted prisoners and remand detainees, with a capacity of 113 inmates.

Ekpa, who styles himself as the “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, was arrested about four weeks ago alongside four others on allegations of inciting violence and financing terrorism. Finnish authorities claim that Ekpa used social media platforms to promote violence in Nigeria’s South-East, targeting civilians and government officials. He faces charges of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.

Kylmäkoski vankila was featured in the Netflix documentary series Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons, where journalist Raphael Rowe interviewed inmates and explored the facility. The series highlighted challenges such as drug smuggling and violent prisoners, with substances like subutex, cocaine, and amphetamines frequently brought into the prison.

Finnish legal procedures do not allow bail, and Ekpa is expected to remain in detention through the Christmas and New Year holidays, according to Mikko Laaksonen, a Senior Detective Superintendent with Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation.

This report was initially published by Sahara Reporters.