My Apple ID cannot be used to unlock this iPhone. Why is this?

I have reset and activated this phone severally before with no problems so I'm quite certain there as no previous owner's Apple ID, which is why the standard retort 'contact th previous owner' is not helpful. We don't have Apple shops here yet.

In short, I'm basically shut out of my own device

I'm currently outside US but the phone was bought over there. I have activated it severally before without being prompted for Apple ID. My Yahoo Apple ID FYI starts with letter 'f' and this is why I'm certain that's my Apple ID there.

when I chatted with Apple Support on Twitter, they referred me to http://support.apple.com/index.html , but the problem is, the site asks for my serial number and after supplying it, they direct me to a carrier in my country Kenya called Orange Kenya. Orange Kenya won't have none of my queries because I did not buy the iPhone from the.

I Did and opted for an expert. This directed me to a carrier here in Kenya, Orange Kenya who unfortunately only deal with idevices purchased from their shops. My phone was bought from the US. Is there any other way for Apple to check out my Apple ID issue?

FOr one, I'm certain there was no Apple ID linked to the iPhone because if that was the case, it would have prompted me to enter the details during my earlier activation. Secondly, the phone was wiped/factory reset with my Apple ID on it. This is why am positive the linked Apple ID is mine. But neither of the apple IDs are working. And finally, none of my Apple ID is linked to any device. I thought it was due to the iPhone being on a Lowe iOS so I updated/restored it yesterday, but still I can't use my apple IDs and I can't find it

I have 2 Apple IDs, a Yahoo and a Gmail one. The Yahoo one starts with an 'f'. I have the same passwords for both and from iCloud.com/#find, none are linked to any devices