Reported by Simon Daniel Yusuph l Journalist at Weng Global
The management of Nigerian dancer and entertainer Iweh Pascal Odinaka, popularly known as Poco Lee, has publicly acknowledged singer Zlatan Ibile’s support during Poco Lee’s ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
In a public notice shared on September 16, 2026, Poco Lee’s management said Zlatan and others had provided significant support throughout the matter, while urging members of the public to stop spreading negative narratives about the singer’s involvement.
The statement comes amid online discussions over Zlatan’s relationship with Poco Lee and claims that the singer had not done enough to support the dancer following his arrest and subsequent court proceedings in the UK.
Poco Lee is currently facing criminal proceedings before Snaresbrook Crown Court in London. The case involves five sexual offence charges, while the entertainer has maintained that he did not commit the alleged offences. The allegations have not been determined by the court.
Poco Lee’s Management Acknowledges Zlatan’s Support
Poco Lee’s management addressed the controversy in a statement published on Instagram on September 16.
The team said Zlatan, alongside other individuals, had been “extremely supportive and helpful” throughout the matter.
According to the management, their involvement and efforts had been important in moving matters forward.
The team also asked members of the public to refrain from spreading negative narratives surrounding Zlatan’s role.
The statement followed a wave of online discussion after a conversation involving Poco Lee was circulated by social commentator Martins Otse, popularly known as VeryDarkMan.
In the conversation, Poco Lee acknowledged Burna Boy, Rahman Jago and others for supporting him during the difficult period, but Zlatan was not mentioned.
The omission generated speculation on social media about whether there was tension between the two entertainers.
Poco Lee’s management has now sought to clarify the situation by publicly acknowledging Zlatan’s support.
Online Claims About Zlatan’s Role
Separate claims had also circulated online suggesting that Zlatan may have helped Poco Lee secure a UK address connected to his bail.
Those claims were attributed to social media blogger Cutie Juls and were not independently verified.
The reports alleged that Zlatan contacted a relative to provide an address that could assist with Poco Lee’s bail arrangements.
Because the claim has not been independently established through court records or a direct statement from Zlatan, it should not be presented as a confirmed fact.
The more recent statement from Poco Lee’s management, however, provides a direct acknowledgment from the dancer’s representatives that Zlatan has been supportive during the legal matter.
Poco Lee’s UK Case Continues
The development comes as Poco Lee’s UK court case moves towards its next stage.
Poco Lee, whose full name is Iweh Pascal Odinaka, is facing five sexual offence charges at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
Reports based on the proceedings identify the charges as one count of attempted rape, two counts of rape and two counts of assault by penetration.
The alleged offences are reported to have occurred in Tower Hamlets, east London, on July 23, 2026.
Poco Lee first appeared before Thames Magistrates’ Court on August 18 before the matter was transferred to Snaresbrook Crown Court.
He was subsequently granted bail on September 11.
The case remains before the UK courts, and the allegations have not been established as facts by a court.
September Hearing Adjourned
Poco Lee’s scheduled plea and trial preparation hearing on September 15 did not proceed as initially expected.
According to reports from the proceedings, the charge sheet was unavailable, preventing the hearing from moving forward and meaning that no plea was entered.
The court subsequently fixed February 8, 2027, for the next plea and trial preparation hearing.
The trial is currently scheduled to begin on March 8, 2027.
The adjournment does not amount to a finding of guilt or innocence. It simply means that the legal process will continue at a later date.
Poco Lee remains on bail while the proceedings continue.
Management Previously Called for Restraint
Poco Lee’s management had previously urged the public and media to exercise caution when discussing the case.
In a statement dated August 25, the team said the matter was before the UK courts and warned against treating allegations as proof of guilt.
The management also specifically rejected online claims linking the case to alleged drink-spiking, saying such claims were not part of the allegations or charges before the court.
The team called for the legal process to be allowed to run its course and cautioned against introducing unverified details into public discussion.
That earlier position is consistent with the latest appeal for restraint over the discussion surrounding Zlatan’s involvement.
Zlatan and Poco Lee’s Professional Relationship
Zlatan has been closely associated with Poco Lee’s rise in the Nigerian entertainment industry.
Poco Lee gained wider recognition around 2018 through his dance performances and his appearance in Zlatan’s “Zanku (Legwork)” music video.
The dancer subsequently developed a career as a choreographer, hypeman, MC and entertainer, working with several leading Nigerian artistes.
His professional association with Zlatan has remained part of his public career, particularly because of the role the Zanku dance movement played in his rise to prominence.
The latest statement from Poco Lee’s management therefore comes amid considerable public interest in the relationship between the two entertainers.
Why the Statement Matters
The management’s intervention provides a direct clarification from Poco Lee’s representatives at a time when social media discussions had generated competing narratives about Zlatan’s involvement.
Rather than confirming every claim circulating online, the management specifically acknowledged Zlatan’s support and asked the public to stop promoting negative narratives.
The statement does not provide detailed information about the specific assistance Zlatan allegedly provided, and those details should therefore not be inferred beyond what the management has publicly confirmed.
The distinction is important because social media discussions surrounding ongoing court cases can quickly combine verified information with speculation.
In this case, the confirmed position from Poco Lee’s management is that Zlatan has been supportive and helpful during the matter.
What Happens Next
The immediate focus remains on Poco Lee’s ongoing legal proceedings in the United Kingdom.
The next plea and trial preparation hearing is scheduled for February 8, 2027, at Snaresbrook Crown Court.
The trial is currently scheduled to begin on March 8, 2027, although court dates can change as proceedings develop.
Until the case is determined, the allegations against Poco Lee remain allegations rather than established findings of guilt.
For the public and media, the latest development also underscores the importance of distinguishing between direct statements from those involved and unverified claims circulating on social media.
Poco Lee’s management has now made its position clear: Zlatan Ibile has provided support during the legal matter, and the team wants the public to refrain from creating negative narratives around that support.
Weng Global — Stories Beyond Borders
Sources
- Poco Lee’s Management — Public notice dated September 16, 2026, acknowledging Zlatan Ibile’s support during the ongoing matter.
- Legit.ng — Report on Poco Lee’s management clarifying Zlatan’s support, September 17, 2026.
- International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR) — Report on the February 8, 2027 plea hearing and March 8, 2027 trial date.
- TheCable Lifestyle — Report on the adjournment of Poco Lee’s UK proceedings and his bail status.
- Premium Times — Earlier reporting on Poco Lee’s management statement and its call for restraint over unverified claims.
- PUNCH — Reporting on the UK court case and confirmation of the September proceedings.
