UK Court Confirms Dancer Poco Lee's Assault Case Amid Influencer Outcry

Nigerian dancer, hypeman, and entertainer Poco Lee, whose full name is Iweh Pascal Odinaka, is currently held on remand in the United Kingdom and is scheduled to appear before Snaresbrook Crown Court in London. His forthcoming appearance is set for a plea and trial preparation hearing on September 15, 2026. This date was confirmed by James Baker, Admin Team Lead at Snaresbrook Crown Court, in a correspondence to Punch on Tuesday, August 25, who also noted that precise times and courtroom information would only be available closer to the hearing date.

The detention of Poco Lee was initially confirmed on Monday by Benjamin Kuti, popularly known as the Oluomo of Derby and founder of the Community of Nigerians in the United Kingdom. Kuti stated that Poco Lee was in a UK prison and expressed his intention to attend the court proceedings in support of him as a member of the Nigerian community. He urged the public to allow the judicial process to unfold, emphasizing that the entertainer remains innocent until proven guilty.

Reports about Poco Lee’s alleged detention first emerged widely on Nigerian social media between August 18 and 19. While some early reports linked the proceedings to an alleged assault and, in some instances, a sexual offence, the specific charge against the entertainer has not been officially disclosed in publicly available information. The Snaresbrook Crown Court confirmation of the September 15, 2026, hearing provides the clearest official indication of ongoing proceedings within the UK judicial system, though it does not substantiate the specific descriptions of the alleged offence that circulated on social media.

During this period, Texas-based Nigerian rapper Jorji made a separate allegation against Poco Lee concerning an alleged incident in the United States in 2024. Jorji claimed that Poco Lee attempted to sexually assault her and a female friend in Dallas, Texas, after they sought mentorship for her music career. She alleged that he made unwanted sexual advances, which her friend resisted, before they left the apartment. Jorji cited fear as the reason for her delayed public discussion of the alleged encounter. Poco Lee has not publicly responded to these allegations. It is important to note that there is no verified information connecting Jorji’s allegation in Texas to the proceedings currently before Snaresbrook Crown Court in London, and the two matters should be treated separately unless UK authorities establish a connection.

In response to the situation, media personality Papaya Ex publicly supported Poco Lee, describing the period as heartbreaking for her friend. She urged people not to exploit the matter for "clout," asserting her personal knowledge of Poco Lee as a man with a good heart and her belief in divine protection for him.

Born Iweh Pascal Odinaka on October 21, 1996, Poco Lee was raised in Ojo, Lagos, and pursued microbiology studies at Lagos State University. He rose to prominence through his distinctive dance style, particularly associated with Nigerian street-dance styles and the popular Zanku/Legwork movement. His career flourished through performances and collaborations with renowned Nigerian music stars such as Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Zlatan Ibile, and Tiwa Savage. Beyond his dancing prowess, the 29-year-old has diversified his career as a hypeman and entertainer, also venturing into music with releases like “YARD” and “Otilo.” His stage name, "Poco Lee," is said to derive from the Italian musical expression "poco a poco," meaning "little by little," a nickname he reportedly received during his school years, with "Lee" added later.

As the legal proceedings continue, the court appearance on September 15, 2026, is anticipated to offer further clarity on the charges against Poco Lee. Until the precise charge and supporting particulars are formally established through authoritative court information, descriptions circulating online about the nature of the alleged offence should be treated with caution.