How notorious policeman linked to Ghana's biggest gold heist died

The story of former police officer Alhaji Sheikh Shehu, popularly known as Ex-Regimental Sergeant Major (RSM) Jack Bebli, remains one of the most controversial chapters in Ghana's criminal history.

Once feared by residents of Accra and revered by some within the security services, Jack Bebli's dramatic fall from power ended behind bars, where he reportedly died while serving a prison sentence for his role in one of the country's largest gold robberies.

Jack Bebli served as the Regimental Sergeant Major of the defunct Commando (Panther) Unit of the Ghana Police Service during the 1980s and 1990s.

At the height of his influence, he reportedly commanded immense power and was widely feared in parts of Accra.

Accounts from the period suggest that Bebli and a group of armed associates, including some security personnel, allegedly carried out operations that terrorized motorists and pedestrians.

His reputation for intimidation earned him notoriety, with many residents reportedly avoiding any confrontation with him and his associates.

The gold robbery that exposed the syndicate

Suspicions that Bebli was involved in organized armed robbery came to a head in 1999 when he and several accomplices were arrested over the robbery of a bullion van transporting gold bars valued at approximately GH¢240 million.

According to court records, Bebli and seven others allegedly laid an ambush at Yamoransa Junction in the Central Region while travelling in a Peugeot Estate vehicle and a Nissan Urvan bus.

Three suspected gang leaders arrested in connection with Adabraka gold robbery

The group, reportedly armed with AK-47 rifles and dressed in military uniforms, followed the bullion van carrying the gold bars as it travelled along the Cape Coast-Accra highway.

When the convoy reached Abotsia, near Apam Junction, the robbers allegedly blocked its path, assaulted members of the convoy and opened fire on the vehicle.

The attack forced the occupants of the bullion van to flee, allowing the gang to seize the vehicle and make away with the gold bars.

Investigators later established that the stolen gold was transferred into other vehicles belonging to GHACEM and Ashanti Goldfields Company before being transported to Accra.

Arrest and conviction

The gang's operation began to unravel when one of the suspects, identified as Frimpong, was arrested at the Elubo border while allegedly attempting to flee to Abidjan with his share of the stolen gold.

During interrogation, he reportedly named his accomplices, leading to a series of arrests, including that of Jack Bebli.

Following months of legal proceedings, Bebli and five others were convicted in July 2001 and sentenced to 15 years imprisonment for armed robbery.

The case became one of the most high-profile criminal prosecutions involving a serving or former security officer in Ghana.

Death behind bars

After serving several years of his sentence, reports emerged in May 2009 that the former police officer had suffered a heart attack while incarcerated at Nsawam Medium Security Prison.

He subsequently died in custody, bringing an end to the life of a man whose name once evoked fear across parts of the country.

His death closed the chapter on one of Ghana's most infamous criminal figures, whose rise and fall remains a cautionary tale about the abuse of power and the consequences of crime.

VPO