Poco Lee case: British prosecution service confirms proceedings remain active

The proceedings against Nigerian dancer Poco Lee in the UK remain active, according to the Crown Prosecution Service (CPS). The artist, whose real name is Iweh Odinaka, is scheduled to appear on September 15, 2026, at Snaresbrook Crown Court in London for a trial preparation hearing.

This clarification comes after messages circulated announcing his release, the withdrawal of the complaint, or a private settlement. In its response to Punch on September 12, the British prosecution did not confirm any of these claims and did not specify whether Poco Lee is in custody or out on bail.

The dancer faces charges of attempted rape, two counts of rape, and two counts of sexual assault by penetration. The proceedings were announced at the end of August, when the court confirmed the charges and set the hearing for September 15. TheCable Lifestyle also obtained this confirmation directly from the judicial administration.

The scheduled hearing is a “Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing,” a stage during which the defendant’s position and the organization of a potential trial are examined. It is not the trial itself.

In a statement released on August 25 and reported by Pulse Nigeria, Poco Lee’s team urged the public not to add elements to the case that are not part of the official charges.

Snaresbrook Crown Court has confirmed that a publication restriction protects the identity of the complainant under the UK Sexual Offences Act 1992. Poco Lee has not been convicted in this case and enjoys the presumption of innocence.