icloud removal

Hello this maybe a weird case,

first of all i used to work as a housekeeper in a hotel, so i found an ipad and put it in company "Lost & Found". Most companies don't allow to contact the guest about Lost & Found items (including Apple).

My supervisor and manager consider the item as "Valuable Lost & Found" therefore i had to wait around 8 months. After i got it legally i just realized that i can't use the iPad it needs icloud activation or something (the previous owner did not report it as lost or stolen), i contacted Apple store in Vancouver and they said i had to phone call customer service.

Then i phone called the Apple guy and he easily told me if i didn't know the email of the owner i have to discard the device. He can't contact the previous owner too, he said it's company / Apple rules.

I think it is very stupid and waste a lot of money (new ipad Air price around 600$ maybe more)

I contacted lots of Apple repairs they can't open the ipad either.

I would prefer either to open the icloud so i can use it or contact the owner and send it back if anyone could help.

Thank you