It isn't a brick completely but these are all normal security features intended to prevent somebody other than your brother from forcing their way in. There are ways to restore the phone to working order but it will depend upon the ability of your brother to perform features such as trying to reset his password.
Click on this link to read what to do "If you forgot your Apple ID password" --> https://support.apple.com/HT201487
or go directly to this link --> http://iforgot.apple.com/
Also read about "What to do after [or before] you change your Apple ID email address or password" - https://support.apple.com/HT204071
If you still need help:
Contact Apple for help with Apple ID account security "This article provides country-specific Apple Support contact information for customers seeking help with their Apple ID password or other security-related issues." --> https://support.apple.com/HT204169
Ultimately if your brother cannot do things then Apple can erase a device to reset it -->Activation Lock support request - https://al-support.apple.com/#/additional-support Apple says, "Proof of ownership documentation is required," but does not state what constitutes proof. Prior to this new online service Apple typically required the original receipt issued by an Apple Authorized dealer and documented provenance (so typically it would be the original owner who does this, or a descendant with legal proof of ownership).
I know all of this is an inconvenience but the reason for all this is protection of the owner from people hacking into their accounts and data.
