Iphone unlock

[Rampage]

Hello, 

Im in a bit of a weird situation here. Would like some input. Basically I purchased an iPhone from someone who bought it from vodafone. The handset is locked, so I asked them to fill out the NUC form and request an unlock which was done on 22/09. 

As of now the phone is still locked.. I decided to fill out an unlock form myself and the email says “ problem with your unlock request, our records show we are already processing your request” 

Ive been on twitter and facebook chat and been told that the unlock request has not yet been processed! However it can be escalated if the previous owner chases it up. I have asked the previous owner but they wont co-operate. 

im more than happy to use the phone for 30 days and then request an unlock.. but if that original unlock request sits there on Vodafone records then every time i fill out the unlock request it will say “ our records show were already processing your request” 

what do I do from here? Please advise! 

[BandOfBrothers]

Unfortunately Vodafone can't request two unlock requests to Apple for the same iPhone @Rampage 

An iPhone is not unlocked via inputting a Nuc {unlocking code} like other phone models are, but instead is unlocked remotely by Apple themselves and their Database.
So no actual Nuc is sent by Vodafone UK. 
The Vodafone Network lets a person know by email it's unlocking has been requested to Apple after accepting the Nuc online unlock request. I assume the original owner received this.

Please Note > The iPhone isn't actually usually unlocked to all networks at this stage when Vodafone email them. 

What happens is Apple then process the Networks request and occasionally this can take Apple approximately from a few days upto a further 30+ days sometimes from Vodafone's email to complete an unlock request made by a Network.
To complete the process please periodically insert an active i.e. connects to mobile network data, alternative Networks Sim Card in the iPhone with hooking upto iTunes is only typically needed if its an iPhone 4 or older although it wouldn't harm to do so. 
From the iPhone 5 onwards there's not normally the need to hook up to iTunes to complete the process.
When it's unlocked you should see a pop up message and the alternatives Networks name will show in the iPhone's status bar.

One other option is to try a reputable online unlocking site or a Highstreet Shop that advertises they unlock iPhones but that would come with a fee from them.