Known for his boisterous and ebullient disposition, Iweh Odinaka, popularly known as Poco Lee, made a name for himself in the unforgiving and cutthroat Nigerian entertainment space with his energetic, electrifying and scintillating dance moves, which catapulted him to the limelight and earned him a place at the gathering of Nigeria’s most popular and celebrated music artists.
In recent weeks, the celebrated dancer and socialite has been in the news, and it is not for a good reason or a respectable cause. The amiable and likeable personality he has curated over the years is now creaking under the sheer weight of public opprobrium and excoriation.
At the centre of the dented public image and reputational crisis he is grappling with is a damning allegation of rape. The dancer is currently facing charges of rape in the United Kingdom. He has been charged with attempted rape, two counts of rape and two counts of assault by penetration.
The Snaresbrook Crown Court in London confirmed the charges to newsmen on Wednesday. The court 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.
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.”
Even though Poco Lee is scheduled to appear before Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 15 for plea and trial preparation, the exact time and courtroom where the hearing of the trial will take place will not be divulged until a day before proceedings.
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.”
How UK authorities nabbed him
Before the reports of detention and charges of rape against him came to public knowledge, there had been rumblings and rumours about his detention by authorities in the United Kingdom over allegations of sexual assault levelled against him by some victims whose identities are yet to be disclosed.
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. He was arrested after the event while leaving the UK for Nigeria.
The founder of the Community of Nigerians in the United Kingdom, Benjamin Kuti, also known as Oluomo of Derby, had earlier disclosed that Poco Lee was in a UK prison and was awaiting court proceedings.
Kuti said he was aware of 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,” Punch newspaper quoted him as saying.
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.
Poco Lee management breaks silence
On Wednesday, his management and legal team finally spoke on the rape scandal he is embroiled in. They implored the public to refrain from making spurious and unfounded claims, noting that the matter remains before the court.
In a statement signed by Adedoyin Faleye and shared on X on behalf of the management, the team said allegations should not be deemed 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.”
Friends show support and solidarity for the embattled dancer
Following reports of his ordeal, some of Poco Lee’s friends and acquaintances expressed support for him.
Music video director, 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 wrote on his X page.
Socialite Rahman Jago also threw his weight behind the dancer, stating that there is more to the issue than the information available to the public.
He added that it was disconcerting to see Poco Lee in such a situation, urging people, warning those who may want to use the situation to chase clout, to desist.
“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.
Instagram influencer Sulaaaaaa also expressed support for the dancer and urged people to refrain from spreading unverified claims about him.
What’s next for him
Poco Lee will appear before Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 15 for plea and trial preparation. The hearing will mark the next stage in his prosecution.
Poco Lee has not been convicted of any offence, and the charges against him remain allegations to be determined by the court.
