Mac shows error "This Mac is linked to an Apple ID". Device removed from iCloud, but still same error is shown.

After erasing the Mac handed over by a colleague, it does not start and is showing error "This Mac is linked to an Apple ID". My colleague has followed the steps in How to remove Activation Lock - Apple Support to remove the device from iCloud, but still same error occurs. Are there other steps that he can take to resolve this except of physically coming and logging in with his Apple ID?