Nigerian dancer and hypeman Iweh Odinaka, popularly known as Poco Lee, is facing criminal proceedings in the United Kingdom after being charged with five sexual offences.
The charges include attempted rape, two counts of rape and two counts of assault by penetration, according to Snaresbrook Crown Court in London.
The court has also imposed a reporting restriction to protect the identity of the complainant.
Poco Lee has not been convicted of any offence, and the allegations against him remain to be determined by the court.
Charges against Poco Lee
The court confirmed that Poco Lee faces the following charges:
- Attempted rape
- Two counts of rape
- Two counts of assault by penetration
Snaresbrook Crown Court Admin Team Leader James Baker, per media enquiries, confirmed the charges, stating: “The defendant has been charged with: Attempted rape, 2x Rape, 2x Assault by penetration.”
The court also confirmed that restrictions have been placed on reporting certain details of the case.
Baker said: “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 will Poco Lee appear in court?
Poco Lee is expected to appear before Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 15, 2026, for plea and trial preparation.
The court has confirmed the hearing date, although the precise time and courtroom details are expected to be released closer to the date.
Baker previously confirmed: “I can confirm that this case is currently listed at Snaresbrook Crown Court for plea and trial preparation on the 15th September 2026.”
How reports of his detention went viral
Reports of Poco Lee’s arrest in the UK emerged on August 19, with reports linking his detention to a sexual assault allegation. At the time, details surrounding the case, including the identity of the alleged victim and the circumstances of the incident, were not publicly established by British authorities.
Amid the reports, a Texas-based Nigerian rapper, Ms Jorji, also made separate allegations against Poco Lee in videos shared online. She claimed that he attempted to sexually assault her and her girlfriend about two years ago during a visit to his home in Dallas.
However, her allegations have not been independently verified by a court or law enforcement agency, and no connection has been established between her claims and the ongoing UK case.
Reports of Poco Lee’s detention in the UK emerged after Benjamin Kuti, founder of the Community of Nigerians in the United Kingdom, said the dancer was being held in a British prison.
Kuti, also known as Oluomo of Derby, said he was aware of the situation through his involvement in supporting Nigerians involved in legal proceedings in the UK.
He said: “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.”
The court subsequently confirmed September 15 as the date for his next hearing.
What has Poco Lee’s management said?
Poco Lee’s management and legal representatives have urged the public to exercise caution while discussing the case.
In a statement signed by Adedoyin Faleye, the team stressed that the allegations should not be treated as evidence of guilt.
The statement said: “We are aware of the ongoing public discussion surrounding allegations made against our client, Poco Lee, currently before the courts in the United Kingdom.”
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 circulating online about alleged drink spiking, saying such claims were not among the allegations or charges before the court.
It said: “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.”
The team urged the public and media to avoid spreading unverified information while the case is before the court.
Friends throw weight behind Poco Lee
The development has also triggered reactions from some of Poco Lee’s friends and colleagues.
Filmmaker TG Omori, who said he had known the dancer for years, described him as “the purest soul” he had ever met.
Omori said: “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.”
Socialite Rahman Jago also expressed support for Poco Lee and suggested that the full circumstances surrounding the case may not yet be publicly known.
“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.
What happens next?
Poco Lee is due to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 15 for plea and trial preparation.
The hearing will mark the next stage of the legal proceedings.
Poco Lee has not been convicted of any offence, and the charges against him remain allegations until determined by the court.
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