Finnish authorities have frozen the assets of self-proclaimed Biafran agitator, Simon Ekpa, amid allegations of his involvement in terrorism-related activities.
Ekpa, who has been in detention for several weeks, is being held at the Kylmäkoski prison, a high-security facility renowned as one of the world’s toughest prisons.
The Finnish government has also frozen the assets linked to companies associated with Ekpa and four of his alleged accomplices, who are also being held in remand.
According to Yle, a Finnish media outlet, Ekpa is expected to remain in detention throughout the Christmas and New Year periods, as Finland’s legal system does not allow bail for suspects facing such serious charges.
Senior Detective Superintendent at Finland’s National Bureau of Investigation, Mikko Laaksonen, confirmed that Ekpa would remain in custody, emphasizing that bail is not an option under Finnish law for terrorism-related offences.
The Kylmäkoski prison, located in Vanhamaantie, Akaa, Finland, is a maximum-security facility built in 1993 to house male prisoners.
Known for its stringent security measures, the facility accommodates individuals convicted or remanded for violent crimes, including sex offenders and other high-risk detainees.
Currently, it holds 113 inmates, comprising both convicted criminals and those awaiting trial.
Responding to inquiries from Punch, Yle’s Head of International Communications, Mika Ojamies, confirmed that Ekpa is being held at the Kylmäkoski prison.
The prison recently gained global attention after being featured in the 2023 Netflix documentary series “Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons,” highlighting its strict control and high-security protocols.
Ekpa, who identifies himself as the “Prime Minister” of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, was arrested alongside four associates about a month ago.
Finnish authorities accuse him of using social media platforms to incite violence in Nigeria’s South-East region, specifically targeting civilians and government officials.
According to local media reports, Ekpa faces charges of public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
The Finnish authorities have stated that his alleged activities, including calls for violence and terrorism financing, were carried out using online platforms, which played a key role in his arrest and the subsequent freezing of his assets.
The case has drawn significant attention, especially in Nigeria, where Ekpa has been a controversial figure linked to calls for separatist activities.