Punch Lies About Simon Ekpa and Kylmäkoski Prison —Here’s the Truth

Claims by PUNCH News that Simon Ekpa is being held in “one of the world’s toughest prisons,” Kylmäkoski Prison in Finland, are not only exaggerated but also misleading. While Kylmäkoski is a high-security facility, it stands out for its focus on rehabilitation and humane inmate treatment—far removed from the brutal imagery painted by the report.

Editorial Note: Facts Over Sentiments

Let’s be clear—this blog does not support Simon Ekpa or anything he stands for. We are not here to defend his actions or reputation. However, as a platform committed to truth, we believe it’s important to clarify the misinformation surrounding Kylmäkoski Prison.

The Nigerian media’s portrayal of this Finnish prison as one of the world’s toughest—comparable to infamously harsh facilities like Tacumbú National Penitentiary in Paraguay—is exaggerated and misleading.

This isn’t about taking sides. It’s about setting the record straight and doing what we’ve always been known for: delivering facts, no matter how controversial the topic.

What Did PUNCH Claim?

PUNCH alleged that Kylmäkoski Prison is a harrowing facility where Ekpa shares a wing with killers, rapists, and drug lords. Drawing on dramatic accounts and cherry-picked moments from a Netflix documentary, the article sensationalizes Finland’s approach to incarceration, claiming the prison is plagued by violence and drugs.

What Do We Know About Simon Ekpa’s Detention?

Simon Ekpa, a controversial figure accused of terror-related activities, is indeed in Finnish custody. However, the exact facility where he is being held has not been disclosed by Finnish authorities or verified by reliable Finnish media. Finland’s legal and correctional systems prioritize privacy and confidentiality, particularly in sensitive cases like this.

The Reality of Kylmäkoski Prison

Kylmäkoski is a closed-unit prison, but it’s far from being one of the “world’s toughest.” Opened in 1993, the facility focuses on rehabilitation, offering inmates access to education, work programs, and addiction support. In 2023, it began transitioning into a “smart prison,” where every inmate has a computer terminal to foster learning and digital skills.

While PUNCH referenced Kylmäkoski Prison and described it as “one of the world’s toughest prisons,” this characterization is inconsistent with Finland’s well-documented correctional approach. Finland’s prisons are globally recognized for their humane treatment of inmates, with a strong focus on rehabilitation, education, and reintegration.

This is a stark contrast to the conditions in notoriously tough prisons like ADX Florence or Carandiru, where violence and survival instincts dominate daily life.

Kylmäkoski Prison: What the Facts Say

Kylmäkoski is a secure, closed-unit prison in Finland, but its focus is on rehabilitation rather than harsh punishment. Inmates are provided opportunities for education, work, and addiction recovery. The prison is currently undergoing a transformation into a “smart prison,” equipping cells with technology for digital learning.

No credible source has linked Simon Ekpa to this specific facility, making PUNCH‘s claim speculative at best.

Why This Matters

Misrepresenting details about Simon Ekpa’s detention or Kylmäkoski Prison creates a misleading narrative that fuels misinformation. Without verified confirmation from Finnish authorities or credible media, claims about his detention at Kylmäkoski Prison remain baseless.

Conclusion

The claim that Simon Ekpa is currently held at Kylmäkoski Prison is unsubstantiated. Until official statements or reliable reports emerge, it is important to avoid speculation and stick to verified facts. Finland’s correctional system focuses on humane treatment and rehabilitation, making sensationalized depictions of its prisons both inaccurate and unfair.