Police unsure how to remove self-styled Kubala tribe defying eviction orders in Scottish woods

Police in Scotland say they are unsure how to remove a group that calls itself the Kingdom of Kubala, which has defied eviction orders and remains camped on land in Jedburgh, Roxburghshire, for about a month. The self-styled Kubala kingdom has occupied both public and private land as it seeks to remain on site despite civil actions aimed at moving them on. The group has posted daily videos to its social media channels and has set up a donations account, drawing attention to a dispute that has stirred local tensions.

![Kubala encampment near Jedburgh]https://i.dailymail.co.uk/1s/2025/09/25/17/102455173-0-image-m-15_1758819394459.jpg ""

Scottish Borders Council has spent thousands of pounds of taxpayers’ money on court orders to try to remove the group, while police say they will not intervene or report the trio to the Procurator Fiscal because they are unclear about the applicable law. The Trespass (Scotland) Act 1865 makes it an offence to occupy or set up a camp on private property without permission, but officials say enforcement is not straightforward when land ownership and definitions of recreation are in dispute. The council wants sheriff officers to enforce civil orders next week, after the landowner secured an eviction order.

At a meeting of the local authority, Conservative councillor Scott Hamilton described the situation as one in which the group is “seemingly committing trespass, hate crimes and breaches of human trafficking laws with impunity.” He warned that inaction by the police could inflame local tensions and urged authorities to enforce the law. “The public that I represent...deserve answers [about] why the police will not enforce the Trespass Act of 1865,” he said. “Every Scottish landowner across this country must be absolutely terrified, knowing that anybody could come and camp on their land and their only option is to go via the civil court process, which is a cost to the landowner, which is a cost to society. Self-styled King Atehene of the Kingdom Of Kubala—Kofi Offeh, 36, who calls himself King Atehene—along with Queen Nandi and their handmaiden—have played this out in a very public way.” He added that the community was growing frustrated and that people could take action themselves if police would not enforce the law.

Inspector Rory Caverhill, who spoke to councillors on behalf of Police Scotland, said officers have a right to recreation but noted there is no formal definition of the term in this context. “People have a right to recreation. There’s no definition of what recreation is, so we’re looking at exploring that a wee bit further to try and get a bit more information,” he said, adding that force crime registrars would be asked to determine whether a crime fits under the act or not. Chief Superintendent Gregg Banks, the Borders divisional commander, said his job was to be independent and that the police must balance the needs of Jedburgh residents with the welfare of the three people involved, including vulnerabilities that are being examined in depth. “We need to be mindful of the community in Jedburgh, the local residents, and the wider communities across the Scottish Borders if we don’t resolve this issue to everybody’s satisfaction,” Banks said. He also urged calm and asked locals to report concerns to police to ensure actions remain lawful and proportionate.

Kofi Offeh, 36, originally from Ghana, and Jean Gasho, 43, from Zimbabwe, have styled themselves as King Atehene and Queen Nandi, claiming to be the true rulers of Scotland and to be reclaiming land stolen from their forefathers by the Tudors. The couple had previously lived in Stockton-on-Tees, Co. Durham, where they were arrested on suspicion of child cruelty; charges were later dropped. Kaura Taylor, 21, identified as a handmaiden named Asnat, has also joined the group and was reported missing by family in Texas earlier this year. After moving off council property in August in response to eviction notices, the group relocated onto private land. The landowner spent about £5,000 on a court order to remove them, but they shifted the site a few yards back onto municipal land, prompting the council to win an eviction order and interdict against the group. Sheriff officers are expected to enforce the order next week.

The Kubala tribe posts daily videos on social platforms and has established a donation account to fund its activities. Trespass offences under the act carry fines of up to £200 per person, a calculation that has underscored the financial burden on landowners and local authorities alike. A Police Scotland spokesman said the force is aware concerns have been raised about those living on the site and stressed that officers and partner agencies have made repeated attempts to engage with those involved. “Officers will continue to engage and address any issues raised,” the spokesman added.