Nigerian dancer and hypeman Iweh Odinaka, popularly known as Poco Lee, has made his first public appearance following reports that he has been released from custody in the United Kingdom.
The entertainer appeared alongside Afrobeats star Burna Boy in a video shared on social media by activist and content creator Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan, on Saturday.
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Mr Otse described the footage as “proof of life” and Poco Lee’s first video since his reported release.
“Proof of life, Poco Lee’s first video since he came out. Big up @burnaboygram. Welcome back @poco_lee,” he wrote.
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The footage provides the clearest public indication yet that Poco Lee is no longer in custody. However, UK authorities have yet to clarify the circumstances or conditions of his reported release.
His appearance alongside Burna Boy is also noteworthy because some of the dancer’s associates had earlier credited the Grammy-winning singer and socialite Rahman Jago with working behind the scenes to secure his release. Neither Burna Boy nor UK authorities have confirmed that claim.
Release reports
Reports that Poco Lee had regained his freedom emerged on Friday after weeks in detention over five sexual offence charges.
Some of his associates claimed that the complainant had withdrawn from the case, while others said Burna Boy and Rahman Jago had helped secure his release.
Streamer and content creator Peller also claimed during a livestream that the complainant had stopped pursuing the case.
However, the reported release does not mean the criminal proceedings against Poco Lee have ended.
The United Kingdom’s Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) confirmed on Saturday that the case remains active and that the dancer is still scheduled to appear before Snaresbrook Crown Court on 15 September for a Plea and Trial Preparation Hearing (PTPH).
“This case is still live, and Odinaka is still set to appear for a PTPH at Snaresbrook Crown Court on 15 September 2026,” the CPS Press Office said in response to an inquiry.
The CPS did not confirm claims that the complainant had withdrawn from the case or clarify the terms under which Poco Lee was reportedly released.
Five charges
PREMIUM TIMES earlier reported that Poco Lee is facing five sexual offence charges in the UK: one count of attempted rape, two counts of rape and two counts of assault by penetration.
The alleged offences reportedly occurred in Tower Hamlets, east London, on 23 July 2026.
Mr Odinaka first appeared before Thames Magistrates’ Court on 18 August, before the case was transferred to Snaresbrook Crown Court.
The court subsequently listed the matter for a PTPH on 15 September. The hearing is expected to address issues including the defendant’s plea and preparations for a possible trial.
A reporting restriction is also in place to protect the complainant’s identity.
Poco Lee travelled to the UK in August for the Davido and Friends concert at Crystal Palace Bowl in London on 14 August.
His detention became public several days later, with Benjamin Kuti, popularly known as Oluomo of Derby and founder of the Community of Nigerians in the UK, confirming at the time that the dancer was being held on remand.
Poco Lee’s management and legal team subsequently urged the public to avoid spreading unverified narratives about the case. His team also clarified that separate claims about an alleged drink-spiking incident were not part of the charges before the court.
The dancer’s latest appearance comes just two days before his scheduled court hearing. While the video appears to confirm reports that he is out of custody, the criminal proceedings remain active, according to the CPS. (The Punch)
Mr Odinaka has not been convicted of any offence, and the allegations against him remain subject to determination by the court.
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