Popular Nigerian dancer and entertainer Poco Lee is expected back before a London court on September 15 as criminal proceedings involving him move to another stage in the United Kingdom.
Poco Lee, whose real name is Iweh Pascal Odinaka, is scheduled to appear at Snaresbrook Crown Court for a plea and trial preparation hearing. The date was formally confirmed by the court following inquiries into the case.
James Baker, the court’s Admin Team Lead, confirmed the listing in an official correspondence, saying, “I can confirm that this case is currently listed at Snaresbrook Crown Court for plea and trial preparation on the 15th September 2026.”
Baker further explained that members of the public would be able to attend criminal court hearings but said the specific courtroom and precise time would only be released shortly before the proceedings.
The case has attracted significant attention after details of the charges emerged. Court information cited by multiple Nigerian media organisations states that Poco Lee faces five sexual offence charges, namely attempted rape, two counts of rape and two counts of assault by penetration.
A reporting restriction has also been imposed in the case to protect the identity of the complainant. The restriction means details capable of identifying the complainant are protected under UK law.
The latest development follows reports that Poco Lee had been remanded in the UK after the case entered the criminal court process. Benjamin Kuti, the founder of the Community of Nigerians in the United Kingdom, previously confirmed that the entertainer was in custody and was expected to return to court in September.
Kuti said he planned to attend the proceedings as part of his support for Nigerians facing legal proceedings in Britain. He also urged people to allow the legal process to run its course.
“It is important that we allow the legal process to take its course. Everyone is innocent until proven guilty in a court of law,” Kuti said.
Meanwhile, Poco Lee’s management and legal representatives have cautioned against unverified narratives about the case. The team specifically rejected reports suggesting that drink spiking formed part of the charges before the UK court.
The September 15 proceeding will focus on plea and trial preparation and does not amount to a conviction. Further details may become available as the case progresses through the UK judicial system.
Poco Lee remains legally presumed innocent unless and until a court determines otherwise.
