Self-styled ‘king’ of woodland encampment deported to Ghana

Kofi Offeh, who styled himself as King Atehene of the so-called Kingdom of Kubala, was arrested after immigration enforcement officers and Police Scotland attended a site near Jedburgh, from which the group had previously been evicted.

The group had occupied private land before being removed in October last year after several months in a wooded area. An American woman, Kaura Taylor, who used the name Asnat, was also arrested on suspicion of immigration offences.

Mr Offeh has since been returned to Ghana, with local media reporting his arrival at Accra International Airport on April 22.

The group, which included a third member – Jean Gasho, known as Queen Nandi – had drawn international attention through social media posts documenting their lifestyle. Their presence prompted complaints from local residents and intervention by authorities.

Incidents reported at the site included fires and altercations, although the group also received support in the form of food and donations.

They claimed the land belonged to them, asserting they were reclaiming territory taken from their ancestors 400 years ago, and said they did not recognise the authority of the courts.

After receiving eviction notices, the group relocated their campsite a short distance to neighbouring council-owned land, before a ruling barred their return to the original site.