A Texas woman has told Sky News an African “cult” brainwashed, lured and coerced her daughter to move 4,000 miles away to a Scottish forest by preying on her vulnerabilities.
Aspiring lawyer Kaura Taylor, 21, was reported missing from Dallas in 2023, shortly after graduating school.
Her family then spotted an online image of her living as a “handmaiden” in the so-called Kingdom of Kubala in Jedburgh, Scotland.
Sky News can reveal Scottish authorities are assessing a report involving welfare and safety concerns.
Speaking exclusively in her first on-camera interview from Texas, Kaura’s mother, Melba Whitehead, pleaded for authorities to urgently deport her daughter to the US so they can be reunited.
The group, dressed head to toe in traditional African attire, is run by Kofi Offeh – who refers to himself as “The King” – and his partner Jean Gasho, who goes by “The Queen”.
Both lived a troubled existence in Stockton-on-Tees, in northeast England, prior to camping in the Scottish borders.
A video online shows Mr Offeh claiming ownership of Kaura and boasting “I bought you at a price” before she swears allegiance to her “masters”.
The camp, on the edge of an industrial estate, is at the centre of a legal battle after eviction notices were served to remove them from private and council land.
‘Under a spell’
Ms Whitehead alleges she became embroiled in a family dispute following the COVID pandemic.
She said the “cult” groomed her daughter, who was 19 at the time, on social media, before buying a one-way ticket to the UK for a new life in the woods.
The 45-year-old told Sky News: “They utilised the fact that she was angry. To encourage her to get away. They used the fact she was penniless living on her own.
“They utilised the funds that they had at their disposal to send for her. They made that happen.”
Asked if she believes Kaura was coerced into leaving the US, Melba Whitehead said: “I know so. She’s totally brainwashed. This is a cult.
“The first thing a cult is known to do is separate you from those that love you.”
She continued: “This isn’t just another young adult rebelling. This isn’t just another young adult who’s mad at the world. The difference is she’s under someone else’s spell in another country.”
‘I can run away if I wish’
Sky News has interviewed Kaura Taylor on her own, away from the so-called Kingdom of Kubala.
She denied being coerced and insisted: “Others are not my concern. People who care about my best interests know why I am here.”
The 21-year-old said “the only things that matter are the camp, the trees and the creepy crawlies” – as she denied being in a cult and dismissed her family’s concerns.
When pressed on how she got to the UK as a cash-strapped teenager, she said she had fled a “rough background” and arrived via a “divine form of transport”.
Ms Taylor she had the ability to “run” away if she wanted, but had no intention of doing so.
Police Scotland told Sky News that officers were looking to “engage with the individual concerned” after a report was made raising concerns.
“I don’t know why Scotland is allowing this foolishness,” said Melba Whitehead. “I believe that Jean and Kofi are opportunistic. I believe there are leeches and vultures for my daughter.”
‘Washed by righteousness’
Jean Gasho and Kofi Offeh denied the allegations when Sky News returned to the woods seeking a response.
When asked if he was operating a cult that was brainwashing Kaura, Mr Offeh replied: “This is the Kingdom … brainwashing is the best thing ever to happen to man if it is coming from the right source. For everyone’s brain needs to be washed by righteousness.”
He was questioned on whether he had coerced the 21-year-old but repeatedly dodged giving a direct answer.
He said: “I am the King of Kubala, and all nations belong to me. Everyone you see bows before me because I am the chosen one. They are not coerced, they are called.”
Jean Gasho refused to answer around a dozen questions unless she was referred to as a queen.
“When you address me as the Queen then I will answer your question,” she said.
She then starting singing a traditional African song in an attempt to drown out further questions.
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‘I was once her’
Rachael Reign established a London-based grassroots group advocating for victims of spiritual abuse and coercive religions.
The Surviving Universal UK founder has become an expert after she was groomed in a church-based cult in the British capital from age 13.
Ms Reign told Sky News the Kingdom of Kubala has all the hallmarks of a cult, but it was difficult to help someone who doesn’t recognise they need support.
She said: “I believe it to be a cult. She had particular vulnerabilities, and she was searching for a sense of community and purpose, and that is how cults target people.
“it is completely normalised. That is her reality, and any kind of critique or grievances is seen as a personal attack on her identity and her community. But she is at risk, she’s been isolated, and she needs to be safeguarded.”
Ms Reign added: “There has to be greater understanding around coercive control in relation to cults.
“Currently coercive control is only recognised within domestic settings which means that victims of coercive control outside of domestic settings fall completely under the radar. There has to be some recognition in terms of legislation.”
The Home Office has been approached for comment.
