Key Takeaways
- Friends and colleagues of Nigerian dancer Poco Lee (Iweh Odinaka) have publicly defended him after reports of his remand in the UK for an alleged assault.
- Filmmaker TG Omori described Poco Lee as “the purest soul” he has ever met, while stressing his comments do not constitute support for any criminal behaviour.
- Socialite Rahman Jago and influencer Sulaaaaaaa urged the public to avoid spreading unverified claims and to show solidarity during the legal process.
- PUNCH Online reported that Poco Lee is being held on remand and is scheduled for a plea hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 15 September 2026 at 10 am.
- Benjamin Kuti, founder of the Nigerian community in the UK (known as the Oluomo of Derby), confirmed the detention and said he will attend the court proceedings to support his compatriot.
- Initial reports lacked details about the complainant, circumstances of the alleged offence, or confirmation from UK police or courts; an email to the court for verification remained unanswered at the time of publication.
Friends and Colleagues Rally Around Poco Lee
Following news that Nigerian dancer and socialite Iweh Odinaka, better known as Poco Lee, is being held on remand in the United Kingdom over an alleged assault offence, a wave of support has emerged from his inner circle. Friends, fellow entertainers, and community leaders have taken to social media to express their belief in his character and to urge the public not to jump to conclusions while the legal process unfolds. Their messages collectively emphasize Poco Lee’s reputation as a kind‑hearted, joy‑giving figure who has contributed positively to the Nigerian entertainment scene.
TG Omori’s Heartfelt Defence
Filmmaker TG Omori, who said he has known Poco Lee for years, posted on X (formerly Twitter) that the dancer is “the purest soul” he has ever met. He expressed personal heartbreak over the situation, adding that “the devil really works overtime.” Recognising that his comment could be misread, Omori later clarified that his words were not an endorsement of any alleged wrongdoing, nor a rejection of justice. He stressed that voicing disappointment about the news does not equate to defending sex crimes or opposing the legal system, but rather reflects his long‑standing friendship and confidence in Poco Lee’s positive qualities.
Rahman Jago Calls for Restraint and Solidarity
Socialite Rahman Jago, whose X handle is @rahmanjago, echoed the sentiment that seeing his “brother” endure such a serious and painful circumstance is heartbreaking. Jago asserted that he knows the person Poco Lee truly is and believes there is more to the story than what has been reported. He urged the public not to exploit the situation for clout or attention, reminding everyone that Poco Lee has consistently been a source of joy and positivity. Jago’s plea was clear: this is the moment to stand behind him, not to spread unverified rumours.
Influencer Sulaaaaaaa Warns Against Rumour‑Mongering
Instagram influencer Sulaaaaaaa also weighed in, advising followers to refrain from spreading lies or unverified claims about Poco Lee. In a poignant message, he wrote that if someone has never been harmed by the dancer, they should remember that one day they might find themselves in a situation where only God can bear witness. He described Poco Lee as “a man with a good heart” and expressed confidence that the dancer would receive the support he needs during this trying period. His comment reinforced the broader call for empathy and restraint from the online community.
PUNCH Online’s Initial Report
The news first surfaced via PUNCH Online, which reported that Poco Lee was being held on remand in the UK and was expected to appear before the Snaresbrook Crown Court in London on 15 September 2026 at 10 am for a plea hearing related to an alleged assault offence. The article noted that, at the time of reporting, the identity of the alleged complainant, the precise circumstances of the alleged offence, and whether formal charges had been filed were not disclosed. Furthermore, UK police or the court had not independently confirmed the arrest, leaving some details unverified.
Benjamin Kuti Confirms the Detention
Benjamin Kuti, popularly known as the Oluomo of Derby and founder of the Nigerian community in the UK, verified the development in a conversation with a PUNCH correspondent. Kuti confirmed that Poco Lee is currently incarcerated in a UK prison and that his next court appearance is scheduled for the second week of September 2026, specifically a plea hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 15 September at 10 am. He explained that a plea hearing typically involves the accused entering either a guilty or not‑guilty plea. Kuti also announced his intention to attend the proceedings as a show of support for the Nigerian diaspora in the UK, emphasizing the importance of allowing the legal process to run its course and upholding the principle that everyone is innocent until proven guilty.
Outstanding Questions and Pending Confirmation
Despite the confirmation from Kuti, several aspects of the case remain unclear. The initial reports did not reveal the identity of the alleged complainant, nor did they detail the events that led to the alleged assault. UK law‑enforcement agencies or the court had not yet issued an independent statement corroborating the arrest at the time of publication. Additionally, an email sent to the court seeking official confirmation of the case had gone unanswered, leaving a gap in the publicly available information. As the legal process advances, further details are expected to emerge, which will clarify the nature of the charges and the evidence involved.
Conclusion
The situation surrounding Poco Lee has elicited a strong wave of support from his friends, colleagues, and community leaders, who stress his positive character and urge caution against premature judgment. While his detention and upcoming plea hearing have been confirmed by reliable sources within the UK Nigerian community, key particulars of the alleged offence remain undisclosed. As the case proceeds through the UK judicial system, the principles of due process and presumption of innocence will be central, and the public discourse will likely continue to balance empathy for the accused with respect for the legal proceedings.