Poco Lee to face UK court September 15 over alleged rape and assault charges

Nigerian dancer and performer Iweh Pascal Odinaka, popularly known as Poco Lee, is scheduled to appear before Snaresbrook Crown Court in London on September 15, 2026, over allegations involving serious sexual offences.

The court has confirmed that the case is listed for plea and trial preparation on September 15. James Baker, an administrative team lead at the court, confirmed the listing in correspondence with TheCable Lifestyle.

“I can confirm that this case is currently listed at Snaresbrook Crown Court for plea and trial preparation on the 15th September 2026,” Baker said.

According to the court information reported by TheCable Lifestyle, Poco Lee faces five charges — attempted rape, two counts of rape and two counts of assault by penetration.

The court has stressed that the allegations remain unproven. Poco Lee is presumed innocent and can only be found guilty if the allegations are established through the legal process.

The September 15 hearing is expected to focus on plea and trial preparation, marking a significant procedural stage in the case. Further details about the proceedings, including the eventual trial arrangements, will be determined by the court.

The case emerged publicly after reports circulated online that Poco Lee had been arrested in the United Kingdom over alleged sexual offences. The reports quickly attracted attention in Nigeria, particularly among members of the entertainment industry.

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Several of Poco Lee’s colleagues and associates have since reacted to the development. Filmmaker TG Omori expressed concern over the reports, describing the dancer as one of the “purest souls” he had encountered.

“It breaks my heart to hear Poco Lee in this sort of mess. That’s the purest soul I have ever met. The devil really works overtime,” Omori wrote in a social media post.

Dancer Rahman Jago also reacted to the development as discussions surrounding the case intensified online.

Poco Lee’s management has meanwhile urged the public to distinguish between the formal allegations before the court and claims circulating on social media.

The management specifically disputed reports that drink spiking was part of the case. In a statement signed by Adedoyin Faleye on behalf of the management, the team said the claim was not contained in the charges before the UK court.

The management also warned against the circulation of unverified narratives, stressing that the case should be allowed to proceed through the appropriate legal channels rather than being decided through public opinion.

The clarification comes amid widespread discussion online, where different accounts of the allegations have circulated without independent verification. Details concerning the complainant and the circumstances surrounding the alleged offences have not been fully disclosed publicly.

Poco Lee has not publicly commented on the specific allegations or the court’s confirmation of the September 15 hearing.

The entertainer has established himself as one of Nigeria’s prominent dancers and performers, gaining widespread recognition through dance performances, music collaborations and appearances within the Nigerian entertainment industry.

His legal case in the UK has now attracted significant public attention, but the court process remains at a preliminary stage.

The September 15 hearing at Snaresbrook Crown Court is expected to provide the next major development in the case as the court considers the plea and preparations required ahead of any trial.

Until the case is determined, the allegations against Poco Lee remain unproven, and he is entitled to the presumption of innocence and a fair hearing.

Poco Lee to face UK court September 15 over alleged rape and assault charges

Veteran Yoruba actor, Ijala master Alabi Ogundepo dies at 84

Veteran Yoruba actor and traditional poet Alabi Ogundepo, renowned for his mastery of Ijala poetry, has died at the age of 84.

Ogundepo reportedly died on Monday, August 24, 2026, after a lifetime devoted to Yoruba culture, language, literature and traditional arts.

His death was announced by his daughter, Dupe Ogundepo-Falana, in a statement issued on behalf of the family.

The family described Ogundepo as a “remarkable literary voice” whose poetry and writings demonstrated a deep appreciation for Yoruba culture, tradition, history, language and the broader human experience.

The family expressed gratitude to individuals, institutions, traditional leaders and members of the literary community who had contacted them to offer condolences and support following the death.

They also appealed for privacy and prayers as they mourned the veteran performer and cultural custodian.

The family said details of the funeral arrangements would be announced at a later date.

Born in Saki, Oyo State, Ogundepo established himself as one of the respected voices in Yoruba oral literature, combining acting, poetry and cultural expression throughout his career.

He became particularly recognised for his exceptional command of Ijala, the traditional poetry and chant associated with Yoruba hunters.

Ijala is an important form of Yoruba oral tradition through which performers recount histories, praise individuals, celebrate nature and animals, and express the values, experiences and worldview of the community.

Ogundepo’s mastery of the art helped expose wider audiences to the richness of Yoruba indigenous poetry and contributed to efforts to preserve an important aspect of the culture’s oral heritage.

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His contribution, however, extended beyond Ijala performance. Through his writings, acting and cultural activities, he helped document and promote aspects of Yoruba indigenous knowledge and oral tradition for younger generations.

Over the years, Ogundepo earned recognition as a respected Yoruba cultural figure, using his artistic work to promote the Yoruba language and preserve traditional forms of expression at a time when indigenous oral traditions face increasing pressure from changing cultural and social influences.

As an actor, he also became part of the long tradition of performers who helped bring Yoruba stories, characters, customs and values to wider audiences through theatre and film.

Those who knew him also remembered him for his wisdom, dignity, compassion and willingness to mentor younger people interested in Yoruba literature and cultural expression.

His influence therefore extended beyond his performances, with his counsel, friendship and commitment to cultural preservation touching the lives of artists, writers, scholars and members of his community.

The death of the 84-year-old Yoruba actor and Ijala master represents a significant loss to Nigeria’s indigenous cultural and literary community.

His passing comes with renewed attention to the importance of preserving Yoruba oral literature, particularly traditional art forms such as Ijala that carry generations of history, knowledge and cultural identity.

Through his performances, writings and mentorship, Ogundepo left behind a body of work that is expected to continue inspiring artists, writers, cultural researchers and younger practitioners.

For many admirers of Yoruba traditional poetry, his legacy will remain closely associated with his distinctive contribution to Ijala and his lifelong commitment to keeping indigenous culture alive.

The family has asked the public to respect its privacy during the mourning period and said further information about his burial will be made available in due course.

Veteran Yoruba actor, Ijala master Alabi Ogundepo dies at 84