Kofi Offeh, the self-styled King Atehene who led the Kingdom of Kubala camp in the Scottish Borders, has been taken to a rehab centre in Ghana against his will, according to his wife. Zimbabwe-born Jean Gasho, 43, claimed he was “captured against his will” in July and taken to the WillingWay recovery centre in Kumasi, which treats people with drink, drug and mental health issues.
Claims of torture and exorcism
Gasho, who called herself Queen Nandi, said Offeh had been “kidnapped” and subjected to “exorcisms”. In a video posted online, she said: "My lord husband, the King of Kubala, was captured against his will. He was brought there to be tormented, beaten and chained. He has had his whole hair shaved off and been exorcised. The king is very strong and I know he’s going to come out. As long as they’re keeping my Lord husband in this place none shall sleep."
Background of the camp in Scotland
Offeh, 34, set up a camp in a wooded area near Jedburgh last year with Gasho and Kaura Taylor, 21. The group claimed they were reclaiming land stolen from their ancestors 400 years ago and refused to recognise the courts' powers to remove them. They were initially evicted from a site owned by David and Mary Palmer in September after a successful court application, but then set up a new camp a few metres away on land owned by Scottish Borders Council.
Following further legal action, the council finally evicted the trio in October. Offeh returned to Ghana in April after being deported. Taylor, from Texas, was handcuffed alongside Offeh by immigration officers; both were arrested on suspicion of immigration offences, but Taylor was later released. Gasho left the scene with her head covered, lying low in the back of a pick-up truck.
