Authorities have intervened to remove the self-proclaimed monarch of an ‘African tribe’ who had been residing in a woodland area in Scotland for several weeks. Kofi Offeh, 36, originally from Ghana, had been living alongside Jean Gasho, 42, from Zimbabwe, and Kaura Taylor, 21, from Texas, in a makeshift encampment near Jedburgh for an extended period.
On the morning of Thursday, October 2, immigration officials were seen escorting Offeh and Taylor away from the site. Offeh and Gasho, who refer to themselves as King Atehehe and Queen Nandi of the Kingdom of Kubala, had live-streamed the arrival of law enforcement following a court decision issued the previous day.
The group had been occupying the woodland, asserting that they were reclaiming territory allegedly taken from their ancestors four centuries ago. Their survival depended largely on donations from supporters. This eviction follows two formal notices served since May, with a recent court injunction prohibiting them from re-entering the private land they had been ordered to vacate.
Rejecting local jurisdiction, the trio had openly declared their intention to disregard legal mandates. Social media posts reveal that when presented with a second eviction notice, Gasho refused to acknowledge the documents. They were absent from the hearing at Selkirk Sheriff Court, overseen by Sheriff Peter Paterson, resulting in an order for them to cover court expenses.
Photographs captured Offeh and Taylor in handcuffs being led from the woodland by officers, with Gasho trailing behind carrying a backpack. While Gasho was not physically restrained, she left the site alongside the others and boarded waiting vehicles.
Scott Hamilton, a Jedburgh councillor and deputy leader of the Scottish Borders Council, confirmed that police, sheriff officers, and other agencies were present at the camp on Thursday morning. He described a significant police presence and noted that the council was in the process of clearing the area. Hamilton commented, “There are still some matters to resolve, but this morning’s developments represent a positive outcome both for the local community and those involved.”
Taylor’s family has urged her to return to the United States, alleging that Offeh and Gasho manipulated her online and pressured her to remain. She was reported missing by relatives after traveling to the UK. Known as the ‘handmaiden,’ Taylor was responsible for daily tasks such as cooking and cleaning, while Offeh was often observed resting. She is also identified as Offeh’s second wife.
The trio frequently shared updates on social media, showcasing their daily routines, including chanting and dancing during their woodland stay. They have consistently proclaimed that their kingdom is indestructible and that they abide by ‘the laws of the creator.’
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