activation error on ipad 2

I have FINALLY found the answer to the problem!

This error occurs because the IPAD or IPHONE has been locked in the owners Icloud account. You will need to Remove it (not sure what you could do if the prior owner is unavailable or you if dont know the icloud username and password.)

Here are the instructions:

you log into your Apple Account and perform the following instructions:

https://appleid.apple.com/#!&page=signin

1. Enter your Apple Username and password to log in (you may get an immediate text message on your phone with a Verification number, Enter that number and select OK)
2. Scroll down the page until you get to DEVICES.
3. Click on the device that your are trying to deattach from the old account (ie: IPAD / Iphone etc.)
4. Click on REMOVE

Then give apple a few minutes to perform the process, and try activating the device again.

I then found further instructions that were a bit different:

What to do before you sell or give away your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch - Apple Support