Is there a way to reset the Activation Lock on my iPod?

Many years ago a friend loaded music on my brand new iPod by (sadly) using his own email and password. He no longer uses the email address and cannot remember the passcode he used. I reset the iPod to factory settings but can't get past the activation lock since the email he used no longer exists so we cannot rest the password.

Is it possible to link this iPod to my Apple ID and password to use the iPod?

[Re-Titled By Moderator]