This lock does not lets anyone pass inside and use it when it is restored, or if owner erases the iPhone from it will be erased and will ask for apple ID and password to activate, or user can enable lost mode and erase it later so that it icloud only be activated from by the owner. Now, this is lock system actually designed to discourage the thieves form stealing iPhone and selling them to get money and its working in my point of view.
iCloud activation lock, is itself clear that it is a lock in the activation process because your iPhone, iPad, iPod was linked to icloud account when it was erased.
Remove iCloud activation Lock from your iPhone, for free its taking too long so if you are looking for fast way you can try the icloud activation unlock by IMEI.
