Former Children’s Authority Chairman Hanif Benjamin was granted $170,000 bail when he appeared in court today charged with two offences allegedly committed against a minor.
The 47-year-old was also ordered to have no contact with the victim, surrender his passport and report to report to the police station closest to him.
The matters were then adjourned to January 16th 2026.
Benjamin was charged with sexual communication and engaging in sexual activity in the presence of a child, offences allegedly committed recently against a 15-year-old boy.
In addition to his former portfolio at the Children’s Authority, he is also currently employed with the THA’s Division of Health, Wellness, and Social Protection, as a Director of its Social Protection Department.
The Division issued a statement this morning, and while it did not name Mr Benjamin, it referred to the “serious allegations” and assured that the matter would be handled with transparency, while respecting the legal process and privacy of all those involved.
There have however been calls in the public domain for him to be either suspended or terminated.
Attempts to contact Health, Wellness and Social Protection Secretary, Dr Faith Brebnor, have so far been unsuccessful.
