Snaresbrook Crown Court in London has confirmed five sexual offence charges against Nigerian dancer and singer Poco Lee, real name Iweh Pascal Odinaka, who remains in custody in the United Kingdom. The charges include two counts of rape, one count of attempted rape, and two counts of assault by penetration, according to court administrator James Baker.
The alleged offences are reported to have occurred in Tower Hamlets, east London, on July 23. Poco Lee had travelled to the UK earlier that month for the Davido and Friends concert at Crystal Palace Bowl on August 14, where he was seen alongside Davido and other entertainers, though no verified connection has been established between the event and the charges.
Court Proceedings and Reporting Restrictions
Poco Lee first appeared before Thames Magistrates' Court on August 18, after which his case was transferred to Snaresbrook Crown Court. He is scheduled to appear again on September 15, 2026, for a plea and trial preparation hearing, where he is expected to formally enter a plea of guilty or not guilty.
A strict reporting restriction has been placed on the case to protect the identity of the complainant, in line with the UK's Sexual Offences Amendment Act 1992. Poco Lee remains in custody and is legally presumed innocent unless and until the court determines otherwise.
Background and Public Statements
The formal charges follow weeks of unconfirmed reports and speculation, beginning in mid-August when Benjamin Kuti, a Nigerian community leader in the UK known as Oluomo of Derby, first confirmed that Poco Lee was in custody. Kuti said he intended to attend the court proceedings in support of the Nigerian community in the UK.
Separately, Texas-based Nigerian rapper Ms Jorji publicly alleged that Poco Lee had attempted to sexually assault her and a friend during an incident in Dallas roughly two years ago, a claim unrelated to the UK charges and not independently verified by any court.
Management Response and Next Steps
In a statement issued days ago, Poco Lee's management, signed by Adedoyin Faleye, urged the public not to treat the allegations as proof of guilt, stressing that the case remains before the courts. The case is set to proceed at Snaresbrook Crown Court on September 15, where Poco Lee is expected to enter his plea.
