POCO LEE’S UK CASE: MANAGEMENT DENIES DRINK-SPIKING CLAIMS

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

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

The clarification was contained in a statement issued on Tuesday by the dancer’s management amid ongoing public discussions surrounding the case.

The statement, signed by Adedoyin Faleye on behalf of the management, urged the public and media to exercise restraint in discussing details of the matter, which is currently before the UK courts.

The management said allegations should not be treated as evidence of guilt, stressing that the matter should be determined through due process.

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

“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,” the statement said.

The team specifically rejected reports containing references to alleged drink spiking, describing such narratives as unverified.

“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 of any of the allegations or charges before the court,” it added.

According to the management, introducing claims that are not contained in the case could contribute to misinformation and unfairly prejudice those involved.

The team further emphasised the importance of the right to a fair hearing, urging the public to allow the judicial process to take its course.

“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,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, Snaresbrook Crown Court has confirmed that Poco Lee is scheduled to appear before the court on September 15, 2026, for plea and trial preparation in relation to an assault charge.

The court confirmed the scheduled proceeding in correspondence on Tuesday following an inquiry.

The court’s Admin Team Lead, James Baker, said the case was listed for plea and trial preparation on September 15.

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

The confirmation follows an earlier report by the founder of the Community of Nigerians in the United Kingdom, Benjamin Kuti, popularly known as Oluomo of Derby, who said Poco Lee was in a UK prison and was scheduled to appear before the court in September.

However, the court’s correspondence confirmed only the date and nature of the scheduled proceeding and did not provide further details of the allegations beyond identifying the matter as an assault case.

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