Poco Lee Faces Serious Charges in the UK

Nigerian dancer and social media star, Iweh Odinaka, known as Poco Lee, has been charged in the UK with attempted rape, two counts of rape, and two counts of assault by penetration, according to PUNCH Online.

The Snaresbrook Crown Court in London confirmed the charges to PUNCH Online on Wednesday. The court also mentioned that there is a reporting restriction to protect the complainant's identity.

James Baker, the court’s Admin Team Leader, stated that the case is set for plea and trial preparation on September 15, 2026.

In an email to our reporter, 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 previously reported that Poco Lee is scheduled to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 15 for plea and trial preparation.

The court confirmed the hearing date in a response to PUNCH Online after an inquiry. However, the exact time and courtroom details will not be available until the day before the hearing.

Baker wrote, "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, but specific time and courtroom information will come closer to the hearing date.

How did reports of his detention emerge?

Benjamin Kuti, known as Oluomo of Derby, who leads the Community of Nigerians in the UK, told PUNCH Online that Poco Lee is in a UK prison awaiting court proceedings.

Kuti said he knows about this because he often attends court cases and supports Nigerians dealing with legal issues 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 typically involves the accused entering either a guilty or not-guilty plea. The court confirmed the September 15 hearing date, but earlier communication did not reveal details of the charges.

Why was Poco Lee in the UK?

Poco Lee was in the UK in August for the Davido and Friends concert at the Crystal Palace Bowl in London on August 14, 2026.

He shared details about the event on social media, and photos and videos showed him with Nigerian singer Davido and other guests. News of his detention came a few days after the event.

What has Poco Lee’s management said?

Poco Lee’s management and legal team have asked the public and media to be careful in discussing the case. They stressed that the allegations are still before the court.

In a statement signed by Adedoyin Faleye and posted on Instagram, they said allegations should not be seen 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 responded to claims about drink spiking, saying those claims are 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 that do not form part of any of the allegations or charges before the court," they said.

The team urged the public and media not to add unverified details into the case, stating that everyone deserves a fair hearing and their matter to be decided through due process.

Friends rally round Poco Lee

After reports of his detention, some of Poco Lee’s friends and colleagues showed their support.

Filmmaker TG Omori, who has known Poco Lee for years, described him as "the purest soul" he has 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 shared his concerns, saying he believes there is more to the situation than what has been reported. "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 for attention, emphasizing that Poco Lee needs the support of friends. Instagram influencer Sulaaaaaa also showed support for the dancer and asked people not to spread 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. This hearing will be the next step in the court process against him. Poco Lee has not been found guilty of any crime, and the charges against him are still allegations waiting for the court's decision.