Nigerian dancer and entertainer Iweh Pascal Odinaka, popularly known as Poco Lee, will have to wait until next year to formally enter his plea in the sexual offence case against him in the United Kingdom.
The Snaresbrook Crown Court in London has adjourned his plea and trial preparation hearing to February 8, 2027, after the scheduled proceedings on September 15 could not go ahead because the charge sheet was unavailable.
The development means Poco Lee, who was expected to indicate whether he would plead guilty or not guilty to the charges, did not enter a plea at the September hearing.
His trial has subsequently been fixed for March 8, 2027, according to reports on the court proceedings.
The case has attracted significant attention in Nigeria and among the Nigerian community in the UK, with some Nigerians reportedly turning up at Snaresbrook Crown Court in support of the entertainer. The gallery was said to have been filled, with others waiting outside.
Poco Lee had earlier been granted bail on September 11, according to confirmation from Snaresbrook Crown Court. The bail followed his initial appearance in connection with the case.
The entertainer faces five sexual offence charges: one count of attempted rape, two counts of rape and two counts of assault by penetration, according to details previously confirmed by Snaresbrook Crown Court. A reporting restriction is also in place to protect the anonymity of the complainant.
The proceedings follow reports of Poco Lee’s detention in the UK, which surfaced on social media in August. The case was subsequently confirmed by the court, while the Crown Prosecution Service also stated that the matter remained active ahead of the September hearing.
Poco Lee, whose full name is Iweh Pascal Odinaka, rose to prominence through viral dance performances and became closely associated with the Zanku dance movement. He has worked with several leading Nigerian artistes, including Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage and Naira Marley, and has also released music.
Despite the charges and ongoing proceedings, Poco Lee has not been convicted of any offence and remains legally presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty by a court.
