Sure it can be removed.
Since you've ruled out entering the password then here's what you need to do.
Get your receipt for the device. The one that shows you are the original buyer.
Get your Identification (usually a Driver's License).
Go down to the Apple store and show them the receipt and your ID and tell them you're locked out.
They will do whatever they need to do to verify that you're the original owner, that the iCloud account is yours and they will take care of it for you from there.
If you don't have any of that then you should be aware that any discussion about defeating a security measure against theft is against forum rules.
I'm sure you read all that when you signed up…