Missing Student Found in Jedburgh Camp
A 21-year-old aspiring lawyer from Texas has been discovered living in a woodland camp in Jedburgh, Scotland, after her family reported her missing earlier this year.
Kaura Taylor, who vanished from Dallas in May 2025, was later seen online in videos and images identifying herself as a “handmaiden” in the so-called Kingdom of Kubala.
Mother’s Plea for Return
Her mother, Melba Whitehead, has called on Scottish authorities to deport her daughter back to the US, claiming she has been “brainwashed” and coerced by the group’s leaders.
“I know so. She’s totally brainwashed.”
‘I Can Run Away If I Wish’
Sky News later interviewed Kaura away from the camp. She denied being coerced and dismissed her family’s concerns, saying: “The only things that matter are the camp, the trees and the creepy crawlies.”
“I can run away if I wish,” she added, but insisted she had no intention of doing so.
A Troubled Past
Kaura claimed she left the US due to a “rough background” and suggested she reached Scotland through a “divine form of transport”.
Her mother argued the group exploited her vulnerabilities after a family dispute during the COVID pandemic, grooming her online before buying her a one-way ticket to the UK.
Leaders Call Themselves ‘King and Queen’
The group is run by Kofi Offeh, who calls himself “The King”, and his partner Jean Gasho, who insists on being addressed as “The Queen”.
Both previously lived in Stockton-on-Tees before moving to the Scottish Borders, where they established the woodland camp on land now subject to eviction notices.
‘Brainwashing Is the Best Thing Ever’
When confronted by Sky News, Mr Offeh dismissed allegations of coercion. “Brainwashing is the best thing ever to happen to man if it is coming from the right source,” he said.
“I am the King of Kubala, and all nations belong to me. They are not coerced; they are called,” he added.
Ms Gasho refused to answer questions unless addressed as “the Queen”, before breaking into song to avoid further scrutiny.
Family Fears
Ms Whitehead said she feared her daughter was trapped under the influence of “leeches and vultures” and questioned why Scottish authorities had not acted.
“I don’t know why Scotland is allowing this foolishness,” she said.
Experts Warn of Cult Tactics
Rachael Reign, founder of Surviving Universal UK, said the Kingdom of Kubala displayed classic cult behaviour.
“She was vulnerable and searching for purpose. That is how cults target people,” Ms Reign explained.
Calls for Legal Reform
Ms Reign also urged stronger laws to recognise coercive control outside domestic abuse cases.
“Currently, coercive control is only recognised within domestic settings. Victims in cults fall under the radar. Legislation has to change,” she said.
Ongoing Investigation
Police Scotland confirmed officers are seeking to “engage with the individual concerned” after receiving a welfare report.
The Home Office has been contacted for comment on whether action could be taken regarding Kaura’s case.
