Immigration Arrests
Two people have been arrested on suspicion of immigration offences after a self-proclaimed African “tribe” calling itself the Kingdom of Kubala was evicted from woodland in the Scottish Borders.
Police Scotland and Immigration Enforcement officers entered the site in Jedburgh on Thursday, where the group had been living since May.
A Ghanaian man and an American woman were detained as part of the investigation.
A Home Office spokesperson said it would be “inappropriate to comment while an investigation is ongoing.”
Eviction from Council Land
The three members of the group were originally served with an eviction notice in August after occupying private land.
They later shifted their camp over a fence onto land owned by the Scottish Borders Council.
At Selkirk Sheriff Court this week, Sheriff Peter Paterson ruled the trio could not return to the private site.
On Thursday, sheriff officers, council staff and police moved in to enforce the eviction order.
Council Response
Councillor Scott Hamilton, deputy leader of the local authority, said the group had left the council with “no choice” but to act.
“This group arrived months ago and claimed they had formed a Kingdom of Kubala. Quite frankly, it was ludicrous,” he told Sky News.
“It broke laws, it broke rules. As landowners, we had to take action, along with others, to ensure this outcome.”
Group Leaders
The so-called “kingdom” is led by 36-year-old Kofi Offeh, who calls himself King Atehene.
He is joined by his wife Jean Gasho, 43, styling herself Queen Nandi, and 21-year-old Kaura Taylor, who goes by the name Asnat.
The trio claim they are reclaiming land allegedly stolen from their African ancestors centuries ago.
Dismissed as ‘Ludicrous’
Mr Hamilton dismissed the claims outright.
He said: “We’re working with the police, the Home Office and other agencies as this case progresses.
“The people of Jedburgh can take some relief that action has been taken.”
Family Concerns
Kaura Taylor’s family in the United States have expressed fears for her well-being.
Her mother, Melba Whitehead, told Sky News she believes her daughter was “lured and coerced” into joining the group.
“This isn’t just another young adult rebelling,” she said. “The difference is she’s under someone else’s spell in another country.”
‘Cult’ Allegation
Ms Whitehead branded the group a “cult” and has urged authorities to deport her daughter back to the US.
She said her family became alarmed after spotting images of her daughter living as a “handmaiden” in the forest.
Denial of Coercion
Speaking directly to Sky News, Ms Taylor rejected her family’s concerns.
“Others are not my concern,” she said. “People who care about my best interests know why I am here.”
Site Cleared
Scottish Borders Council confirmed the woodland is now being cleared.
Officials say they will continue to monitor the situation closely with Police Scotland and the Home Office.
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