Drink-spiking claims not cause of Poco Lee’s arrest in UK — Management

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The management and legal team of Nigerian dancer and socialite, Iweh Odinaka, popularly known as Poco Lee, have said claims linking him to alleged drink spiking are not part of the allegations or charges before a court in the United Kingdom.

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The management made the clarification in a statement issued on Tuesday amid ongoing public discussions about the case involving the dancer.

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In the statement, signed by Adedoyin Faleye, who posted it on Instagram on behalf of the management, the team urged the public and media to refrain from commenting on details of the case, which is currently before the court.

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“We are aware of the ongoing public discussion surrounding allegations made against our client, Poco Lee, currently before the courts in the United Kingdom.

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“As this matter is now subject to legal proceedings, we urge the public, media, and all well-meaning individuals to exercise restraint in commenting on the details of the case. Allegations are not evidence of guilt, and no conclusions should be drawn until the matter has been heard and determined through the appropriate legal process.”

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The management specifically addressed reports referring to alleged drink spiking, saying such claims were not part of the case before the court.

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“We are particularly concerned by the volume of unverified narratives currently circulating, including claims referencing “drink spiking,” amongst other allegations which do not form part any of the allegations or charges before the court,” the statement said.

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The team urged the public and media to avoid introducing details that were not part of the case, saying such reports could fuel misinformation and cause unfair prejudice to those involved.

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The statement added, “Every individual is entitled to a fair hearing and to have their matter determined by due process of law, not by public opinion. We respectfully request that this right be respected in this instance, as it would be for anyone else.”

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PUNCH Online had reported that Snaresbrook Crown Court confirmed that Poco Lee is due to appear before the court on September 15, 2026, for plea and trial preparation in relation to an assault charge.

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The court confirmed the development in correspondence with PUNCH Online on Tuesday following an inquiry by the newspaper.

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The court’s Admin Team Lead, James Baker, wrote, “OFFICIAL. Good afternoon. I can confirm that this case is currently listed at Snaresbrook Crown Court for plea and trial preparation on the 15th September 2026.

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“Criminal Court hearings are open to the public. Precise times and courtroom information will not be available until the day before the hearing. Many thanks.”

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PUNCH Online had earlier reported that the founder of the Community of Nigerians in the United Kingdom, Benjamin Kuti, also known as Oluomo of Derby, said Poco Lee was in a UK prison and was scheduled to appear before the court in September.

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However, the court correspondence confirmed the date of the proceedings but did not provide details of the allegations beyond identifying the matter as being listed for plea and trial preparation.

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Poco Lee has not been convicted of any offence, and the allegations remain subject to determination by the court.

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