Nigerian dancer and socialite, Iweh Odinaka, popularly known as Poco Lee, has been charged in the United Kingdom with attempted rape, two counts of rape and two counts of assault by penetration, PUNCH Online has learnt.
The charges were confirmed to PUNCH Online on Wednesday by Snaresbrook Crown Court in London, which also disclosed that a reporting restriction is in place to protect the anonymity of the complainant.
The court’s Admin Team Leader, James Baker, said the case is listed for plea and trial preparation on September 15, 2026.
In an official email to our correspondent, Baker wrote, “The defendant has been charged with: Attempted rape, 2x Rape, 2x Assault by penetration.”
He added, “There is a reporting restriction on the case provided. This order protects the anonymity of the complainant under section 1 of the Sexual Offences Amendment Act 1992.”
When is Poco Lee due in court?
PUNCH Online had earlier reported that Poco Lee is scheduled to appear before Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 15 for plea and trial preparation.
The court had previously confirmed the hearing date in correspondence with PUNCH Online following an inquiry by the newspaper, but said the precise time and courtroom would not be available until the day before the hearing.
Baker had written, “I can confirm that this case is currently listed at Snaresbrook Crown Court for plea and trial preparation on the 15th September 2026.”
He added that criminal court hearings are open to the public, while precise time and courtroom information would be available closer to the hearing.
How did reports of his detention emerge?
The founder of the Community of Nigerians in the United Kingdom, Benjamin Kuti, also known as Oluomo of Derby, had earlier told PUNCH Online that Poco Lee was in a UK prison and was awaiting court proceedings.
Kuti said he was privy to the development because he regularly attends court proceedings and supports Nigerians involved in legal matters in the UK.
“I can confirm that the reports are true. Poco Lee is currently on remand in a UK prison. His next court date is scheduled for the second week of September, when he is expected to have a plea hearing,” he said.
He explained that a plea hearing would ordinarily involve an accused person entering either a guilty or not-guilty plea.
The court subsequently confirmed the September 15 hearing date, although its earlier correspondence did not disclose details of the charges.
Why was Poco Lee in the UK?
Poco Lee was in the United Kingdom in August for the Davido and Friends event held at the Crystal Palace Bowl in London on August 14, 2026.
He posted about the event on social media, while photographs and videos from the occasion showed him with Nigerian singer Davido and other personalities.
Reports of his detention emerged several days after the event.
What has Poco Lee’s management said?
Poco Lee’s management and legal team have urged the public and media to exercise restraint in discussing the case, stressing that the allegations remain before the court.
In a statement signed by Adedoyin Faleye and shared on Instagram on behalf of the management, the team said allegations should not be treated as proof of guilt.
“We are aware of the ongoing public discussion surrounding allegations made against our client, Poco Lee, currently before the courts in the United Kingdom,” the statement said.
It added, “Allegations are not evidence of guilt, and no conclusions should be drawn until the matter has been heard and determined through the appropriate legal process.”
The management also addressed claims concerning alleged drink spiking, saying such claims were not part of the allegations or charges before the court.
“We are particularly concerned by the volume of unverified narratives currently circulating, including claims referencing ‘drink spiking,’ amongst other allegations which do not form part of any of the allegations or charges before the court,” it said.
The team urged the public and media not to introduce unverified details into the case, saying every individual is entitled to a fair hearing and to have their matter determined through due process.
Friends rally round Poco Lee
Following reports of his detention, some of Poco Lee’s friends and colleagues expressed support for him.
Filmmaker TG Omori, who said he had known Poco Lee for years, described him as “the purest soul” he had ever met.
“It breaks my heart to hear Poco Lee in this sort of mess. That’s the purest soul I have ever met. The devil really works overtime,” Omori said.
Socialite Rahman Jago also expressed concern over the situation, saying he believed there was more to the matter than what had circulated publicly.
“Seeing my brother go through such a serious and painful situation is heartbreaking. I know the person he is, and I truly believe there is more to this situation than what people may have heard,” he said.
Jago also urged people not to use the situation to chase clout, saying Poco Lee needed the support of his friends.
Instagram influencer Sulaaaaaa also expressed support for the dancer and urged people to refrain from spreading unverified claims about him.
What happens next?
Poco Lee is expected to appear before Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 15 for plea and trial preparation.
The hearing will mark the next stage in the court proceedings against him.
Poco Lee has not been convicted of any offence, and the charges against him remain allegations to be determined by the court.
(Punch)
