The remanded leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra, Simon Ekpa, is currently being held at Kylmäkoski vankila (Kylmäkoski prison), recognized as one of the world’s toughest prisons.
According to findings by Saturday PUNCH, the high-security prison, located in Vanhamaantie, Akaa, Finland (pictured), houses individuals convicted of serious crimes.
The Finnish police have alleged that Ekpa, who refers to himself as the Prime Minister of the Biafra Republic Government-in-Exile, used social media to incite violence in the South-East region, targeting civilians and authorities.
According to the local publication Yle, Ekpa was remanded in custody by the Päijät-Häme District Court on charges of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent.
Saturday PUNCH further revealed that the Finnish government has frozen Ekpa’s assets, along with those of companies linked to him and four accomplices, who are also in remand.
Yle reported that Ekpa is being detained at Kylmäkoski vankila. Mika Ojamies, the Head of International Communications at Yle, confirmed this to a correspondent.
Kylmäkoski vankila: Finland’s Toughest Prison
Kylmäkoski vankila, built in 1993 for male prisoners, is the largest closed-unit facility in Finland, known for housing individuals involved in serious crimes, including violent offenders and sex offenders.
Currently, the facility accommodates 113 inmates, consisting of both convicts and remand prisoners.
Kylmäkoski vankila gained international attention after being featured in a 2023 Netflix documentary series, Inside the World’s Toughest Prisons.
Journalist Raphael Rowe explored the prison, interacting with inmates, including some of Finland’s most dangerous criminals.
One inmate revealed that the prisoner with the most drugs earns the title of “king” within the prison.
READ MORE:Elon Musk Reclaims Title of World’s Richest Person
Many prisoners are heavily tattooed, their large physiques adding to their intimidating presence.
With their menacing appearances and violent backgrounds, the inmates at Kylmäkoski display no remorse for their crimes.
A significant number of these offenders committed their crimes while under the influence of drugs or alcohol, making them even more dangerous.
New arrivals frequently smuggle contraband into the facility, including drugs like Subutex, cocaine, and amphetamines, as well as cell phones. Subutex remains a particularly popular drug in Finland.
A prison officer highlighted this alarming trend in the video, explaining that managing such violent and drug-affected prisoners presents a serious challenge for the prison system.
Unlike Finland’s open prisons, where inmates can take vacations, go to work, and even have keys to their rooms, closed prisons impose strict restrictions and limit freedom.
In closed prisons, cell doors are locked according to the times specified in the daily schedule. When the ward is locked, prisoners must remain in their cells or other designated areas listed in the prisoner checklist.
Daily schedules also outline specific times for headcounts, and prisoners are required to close and lock their cell doors whenever they leave.
During visits, inmates and visitors are prohibited from taking notes or exchanging written messages without staff approval. Physical contact between prisoners and visitors is also strictly forbidden.
Follow Parallel Facts on WhatsApp Channel:https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaCQSAoHgZWiDjR3Kn2E
