Nigerian dancer and entertainer Iweh Odinaka, popularly known as Poco Lee, has been formally charged in the United Kingdom with five sexual offences, including two counts of rape.

The charges were confirmed by Snaresbrook Crown Court in London, which stated that they consist of two counts of rape, one count of attempted rape and two counts of assault by penetration.

James Baker, the court’s Admin Team Leader, confirmed the charges to Newsmen.

The case has been scheduled for a plea and trial preparation hearing on September 15.

“The defendant has been charged with: Attempted rape, 2x Rape, 2x Assault by penetration,” Mr Baker said.

The disclosure provides the clearest official account yet of the case against Poco Lee since reports of his detention in the UK emerged earlier this month.

The court also confirmed that a reporting restriction is in place to protect the complainant’s identity.

Mr Baker said the restriction protects the complainant’s anonymity under Section 1 of the Sexual Offences (Amendment) Act 1992. This means information capable of identifying the complainant must not be published.

Poco Lee has not been convicted of any offence. The charges remain allegations to be determined through the UK judicial process, and he is entitled to the presumption of innocence. (The Sun)