- Simon Ekpa, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, has been detained at Finland’s Kylmäkoski prison, one of the toughest correctional facilities globally
- Finnish authorities have also frozen Ekpa’s assets and those of his associates as part of an investigation into terrorism financing
- Court hearing has also been set for May 2025 as Ekpa remains in custody, with no bail due to Finland's criminal procedures
Simon Ekpa, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, has been put under detention at the Kylmäkoski prison, reputed to be one of the harshest correctional facilities in the world.
Emerging reports revealed that the Finnish authorities have frozen Simon Ekpa’s assets, as well as those of his companies and four accomplices, all of whom are currently in remand.
Ojamies confirms Simon Ekpa’s detention at kylmäkoski prison
Mika Ojamies, the head of International Communications at Yle, a Finnish media company, confirmed in response to inquiries that the suspect had been detained in prison.
Constructed in 1993 for male prisoners, Kylmäkoski Vankila is Finland’s largest high-security prison. It is primarily known for housing individuals convicted of grave crimes, including violent criminals and sex offenders.
Unlike Finland's open prisons, where inmates can take vacations, work, and have keys to their own rooms, prisoners in closed prisons face strict restrictions and lack freedom.
Recall that the Finnish government had earlier announced the arrest of Simon Ekpa and four others on charges related to terrorism, including incitement to violence and financing terrorism.
Finnish government announces arrest of Ekpa, 4 others
According to Finnish police, Ekpa, who called himself the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, allegedly used social media platforms to incite violence against civilians and authorities in the South-East.
The district court ordered Ekpa's remand, with a court date set for May 2025 to face charges.
Mikko Laaksonen, a senior detective superintendent at Finland's National Bureau of Investigation, disclosed that Ekpa was unable to receive bail due to Finland’s criminal procedure.
“Our procedure is based on the case, remand or travel ban as coercive measures for limiting freedom of movement for persons suspected of offences to which such measures are applicable,” Laaksonen stated.
Nigeria’s Defence Chief Musa welcomes Simon Ekpa’s arrest, hopes for extradition
Meanwhile, TheRadar earlier reported the Nigerian Defence Chief, General Christopher Gwabin Musa expressed hope for Simon Ekpa’s extradition to face justice.
Ekpa was accused of inciting violence in Nigeria through his social media platforms.