The Finnish government has taken significant steps to clamp down on Simon Ekpa, the self-proclaimed Biafran agitator, by freezing his assets and those of companies connected to him and his four accomplices.
Ekpa, who has been in detention for several weeks, faces serious charges linked to terrorism, including incitement to violence and financing terrorism.
The latest action comes as Finland continues to investigate his activities, particularly his use of social media to stir up violence in Nigeria’s South-East.
According to reports from Yle, a Finnish news outlet, Ekpa is being held at Kylmäkoski vankila, one of the most notorious prisons in the world, known for housing dangerous criminals.
Kylmäkoski, located in Vanhamaantie, Akaa, Finland, is a high-security facility with a reputation for being tough on prisoners.
The prison was built in 1993 specifically for male prisoners and is the largest closed-unit facility in Finland.
It currently holds 113 inmates, including remand detainees and convicts, many of whom are incarcerated for violent crimes and other serious offences.
Ekpa, who claims to be the “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, was arrested about four weeks ago along with four others.
Finnish authorities allege that Ekpa used social media to incite violence, urging attacks against civilians and government officials in Nigeria’s South-East region.
Mikko Laaksonen, Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, confirmed that Ekpa may spend the Christmas and New Year holidays in detention.
This is because Finland’s legal system does not allow bail for individuals facing such severe charges.
Kylmäkoski’s notoriety was further highlighted in a 2023 Netflix documentary, Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons.
The documentary gave viewers a glimpse into the prison’s operations, with journalist Raphael Rowe speaking with dangerous criminals, including some notorious inmates like Toni and Olli.
These individuals have a history of violence, and their interviews revealed little remorse for their brutal actions.
In addition to its dangerous population, Kylmäkoski is known for its challenges with smuggling.
Drugs, including Subutex, cocaine, and amphetamines, are frequently brought into the prison by newcomers, adding to the already complicated environment for prison staff.
A prison officer interviewed in the documentary confirmed that dealing with drug-affected, violent prisoners is a major challenge.
Ekpa’s detention is linked to his role in Biafran separatist movements, particularly the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).
The Finnish government has not taken these charges lightly.
By freezing Ekpa’s assets and the assets of companies linked to him, authorities are signaling a firm stance against individuals involved in terrorist activities, even outside Nigeria.
The freezing of assets is part of Finland’s efforts to prevent the financing of terrorism and to stop violent movements from gaining support through financial means.
Ekpa’s detention in one of the world’s toughest prisons is a clear message that Finland takes terrorism and the incitement of violence very seriously.
Authorities in Finland have placed him and his associates in remand while further investigations are ongoing.
The Finnish legal system is known for its strict procedures, and there is currently no indication that Ekpa will be granted bail.
As Ekpa faces these grave charges, his detention in Kylmäkoski sends a powerful message not only to him but to others who might seek to use Finland as a base for inciting violence elsewhere.
The prison’s environment, known for its security measures and tough conditions, is a fitting backdrop for someone facing such serious allegations.
For the Nigerian government, Ekpa’s detention could be seen as an important step in addressing the growing concern over Biafran separatist movements and the role of online platforms in inciting violence.
The use of social media to spread extremist views has become a growing issue, with many governments around the world struggling to find ways to curb online radicalization.
In Ekpa’s case, his online calls for violence in Nigeria’s South-East region have raised alarm in both Nigeria and Finland.
Finland’s decision to detain him and freeze his assets indicates a strong international effort to address the issue of global terrorism and its cross-border implications.
As the investigation into Ekpa’s activities continues, questions remain about the broader impact of his actions on both Nigeria’s political landscape and the international community.
The Biafran separatist movement, which has been active for decades, has sparked intense debate in Nigeria about the future of the country and the rights of its different ethnic groups.
Ekpa’s case has put the spotlight on these issues once again, with many Nigerians questioning the role of international authorities in handling such matters.
While the Finnish authorities have been praised for their swift action, some Nigerian observers argue that the international community should do more to address the root causes of separatism and violence in the region.
