A United Kingdom court has adjourned the plea and trial preparation hearing of Nigerian dancer and entertainer Iweh Pascal Odinaka, popularly known as Poco Lee, to February 2027 after he was unable to enter a plea.
According to a report by BBC News Pidgin published on Tuesday, Snaresbrook Crown Court fixed February 8, 2027, for the next hearing, when Poco Lee is expected to indicate whether he will plead guilty or not guilty to the charges against him.
The case came up on Tuesday, September 15, but Poco Lee did not appear in court because the charge sheet was unavailable. As a result, the matter could not proceed and no plea was entered.
BBC News Pidgin reported that “in court, Poco Lee did not appear because the charge sheet was not available. As a result, he did not enter a plea.”
The report added that the pre-trial hearing would now take place on February 8, 2027, when he is expected to enter his plea.
The court has also scheduled the trial for March 8, 2027.
Snaresbrook Crown Court had earlier confirmed that Poco Lee was granted bail on September 11 following his first appearance before the court. The plea and trial preparation hearing had initially been scheduled for September 15, but the unavailability of the charge sheet prevented the proceedings from going ahead as planned.
Some Nigerians were also present at the court in support of the entertainer. According to the report, the gallery was filled to capacity, while others waited outside.
Reports had earlier circulated on social media that Poco Lee was in the custody of UK authorities over allegations against him. Following his first court appearance, social media reports also claimed that he had been granted bail, while videos emerged online showing the entertainer speaking about his experience in the UK.
The court subsequently confirmed the bail decision to the BBC, with the report stating that Poco Lee remained on bail.
Poco Lee, whose real name is Iweh Pascal Odinaka, is a Nigerian dancer, hype man, MC and entertainer. He rose to prominence around 2018 after videos of his Zanku and legwork performances went viral.
His dance videos attracted the attention of singer Zlatan Ibile, with whom he later worked. He has since performed alongside several leading Nigerian artistes, including Davido, Wizkid, Burna Boy, Tiwa Savage and Naira Marley.
Poco Lee has also ventured into music, releasing songs including “YARD” and “Otilo.”
He studied Microbiology at Lagos State University and is widely associated with the rise of street dance in mainstream Nigerian pop culture, particularly during the Zanku era.
The allegations against Poco Lee have not been determined by the court. He remains presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
